Vision
We want to investigate ink not merely as a historic drawing tool,
but as a dynamic contemporary phenomenon,
to explore the deep entanglements between
materials, sensory experiences, cross-cultural communication,
ecological Inkscapes, and human identity in a digital era.
HOUSE of INK is nestled within a historic wooden building in the heart of Old Porvoo, with parts of the structure dating back to 1750. In 2015, this atmospheric space became the home and studio of contemporary ink artist Pan Jianfeng.
In 2026, Pan and his wife, art educator and curator Zhao Jie, founded HOUSE of INK. Together, they transformed the space into a unique gallery dedicated to exhibition-as-research, and an open garden for community connection and creative dialogue.
Our Story
The Main House: Living & Gathering
The heart of the estate is a two-story wooden house built in 1750. The private second floor serves as the family's living quarters and a specialized library. The ground floor houses the artist’s primary working studio. Stepping down just two steps, the studio opens into a welcoming living room. This fluid, shared space serves as a dedicated sanctuary for our intimate workshops, public dialogues, and traditional tea ceremonies.
The Gallery: A Living Material Archive
The gallery is located on the ground floor of an independent building nestled inside our garden. Originally used as a storage space and a working studio, the room retains the visceral traces, brushstrokes, and creative memories left behind by the artist.
Rejecting the cold neutrality of the traditional "white cube" museum, this intimate 15-square-meter space functions as an experimental gallery. During the summer, it showcases raw materials on the walls and hosts research-based exhibitions. In the quiet of winter, the space transforms back into an active, breathing art studio.
The Attic Residency: Nurturing Research
Directly above the gallery lies the Attic Residency, a peaceful accommodation space designed to host up to four guests. Operating as a dedicated creative laboratory, the residency invites international and local artists, curators, and researchers who share a profound interest in investigating the past, present, and future of ink.
