While professionalism is no doubt a necessary quality for artists along the way of their career development, genuine and provocative works are missing. It is disturbing to see over-standardized practice prevails, such as self-representation, modes of production, use of a medium, archival methods, career path, and even choice in the subject matter. For survival reasons, contemporary artists learn to play by the rules set by private and public funding institutions. It is not hard to see exhibitions and artworks that look familiar to your last gallery visit.

The SAD School of Artists Development (SAD) is an ongoing experiment between genuineness and professionalism for the art and education practitioners. It is a recurrent observation in the art community, self-awareness, and critique.

For one should not forget the intention to be an artist, we should not forget that artists are individuals that could change how people think and challenge the normal and the right.

SAD School of Artists Development was founded in 2019 in Seoul to answer the growing demand from art graduates and emerging artists to survive and succeed in the professional art world within a highly competitive environment. Unlike conventional art schools, SAD does not focus on the training of any artistic medium. It does not offer knowledge in art theory or conceptual thinking. It commits to perfect the professional quality of proactive artists to excel regardless of their artworks. Participants in SAD would understand and master the occupational skills including networking, self-representation and promotion through SNS and various channels. Upon completion of the programme, participants no longer struggle in grants, residencies, awards and exhibitions applications. These become daily opportunities to exhibit your competence. SAD carries such progressive vision and encourages all potential talents to engage in the next admission in the future.

Silas Fong is a contemporary artist born in 1985 in Hong Kong. He furthered his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts Cologne after earning his MFA from Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2012 and BA from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2008. Since September 2017, Fong is Assistant Professor at the Department of Photography, College of Arts in Chung-Ang University. Silas Fong evaluates the context behind each project to develop respective approaches for conceptual and critical expression. His work is often reflective of his role as an observer, artist and educator. He has held solo and group exhibitions at Liverpool Biennial (2010), Tai Kwun Contemporary, Hong Kong (2020), Hong Kong Museum of Art (2009), Goethe- Institut Hongkong (2016), Taipei Soka Art Center (2012), City Gallery Wellington (2013), ZKM (2013), Tate Modern (2010), Saatchi Gallery London (2012), Dresden Cynetart (2013) and Microwave International New Media Festival (2013), etc.

He currently lives and works in Hong Kong and Seoul.