ART IN SHANGHAI
ART IN SHANGHAI
In this issue we have chosen Shanghai to present our particular travel guide that seeks for fine art in other continents. We portray all the museums, galleries and artists in a growing city that struggles to become clear reference for the contemporary art world.
During the past 20 years, Chinese contemporary art has evolved in its complexity and diversity. This individuality has allowed to rapidly set itself on the international scene as an innovative and inspiring force. In China, two cities compete for the title of the largest city, Beijing and Shanghai, but Shanghai is which the authorities define as the "star piece" of its economy. The city rises more than 4,000 buildings that have over 100 meters high, modern skyscrapers with a unique style that give to the town an incomparable futuristic air.
In Shanghai there are many interesting places, we will propose an alternative and complementary visit to follow the trail of the best contemporary art. To find the best galleries, you have to go to the district of Moganshan or M50, near-by the Suzhou River. This district, formerly a textile area, now has become a symbol of the modern culture of Shanghai. Large shops in the area have been occupied by art spaces and the old houses are now fine restaurants.
The M50 district was founded in the heart of a former factory, is a space in which occur, spontaneously, a succession of artistic studies. Most are small and give some impression of being in a kind of a specialized market in art. The first artist to rely on the M50 was Xue Song. Later came Ding Yi, Qu Feng Guo, Wang Xingwei and a long list that extends to our times, today presents a powerful generation of Chinese artists that are succeeding in the world.
One of the galleries located in Moganshan Rd. is Art Scene China, considered as a fundamental one in the country. The main goal of this gallery is to make Chinese contemporary art accessible to everyone and, to this end, it has more than 1,800 square meters of exhibition, divided into two rooms. The first, the Warehouse room, exposes the most influential contemporary artists from China and elsewhere. And in the second, the Classic room, dwell more affordable artworks. The purpose of this room is that artists submit works of smaller size, those that can be taken into a private house and not only held in large spaces, and therefore get lost in the oblivion of a big warehouse.
In this issue we have chosen Shanghai to present our particular travel guide that seeks for fine art in other continents. We portray all the museums, galleries and artists in a growing city that struggles to become clear reference for the contemporary art world.
During the past 20 years, Chinese contemporary art has evolved in its complexity and diversity. This individuality has allowed to rapidly set itself on the international scene as an innovative and inspiring force. In China, two cities compete for the title of the largest city, Beijing and Shanghai, but Shanghai is which the authorities define as the "star piece" of its economy. The city rises more than 4,000 buildings that have over 100 meters high, modern skyscrapers with a unique style that give to the town an incomparable futuristic air.
In Shanghai there are many interesting places, we will propose an alternative and complementary visit to follow the trail of the best contemporary art. To find the best galleries, you have to go to the district of Moganshan or M50, near-by the Suzhou River. This district, formerly a textile area, now has become a symbol of the modern culture of Shanghai. Large shops in the area have been occupied by art spaces and the old houses are now fine restaurants.
The M50 district was founded in the heart of a former factory, is a space in which occur, spontaneously, a succession of artistic studies. Most are small and give some impression of being in a kind of a specialized market in art. The first artist to rely on the M50 was Xue Song. Later came Ding Yi, Qu Feng Guo, Wang Xingwei and a long list that extends to our times, today presents a powerful generation of Chinese artists that are succeeding in the world.
One of the galleries located in Moganshan Rd. is Art Scene China, considered as a fundamental one in the country. The main goal of this gallery is to make Chinese contemporary art accessible to everyone and, to this end, it has more than 1,800 square meters of exhibition, divided into two rooms. The first, the Warehouse room, exposes the most influential contemporary artists from China and elsewhere. And in the second, the Classic room, dwell more affordable artworks. The purpose of this room is that artists submit works of smaller size, those that can be taken into a private house and not only held in large spaces, and therefore get lost in the oblivion of a big warehouse.
Other galleries that you can find in this area are Ifa
Gallery and New B Gallery. Ifa Gallery exhibits, Chinese artists of
course, but also artists from the Southeast of Asia, with varied programs that
give support to all types of artistic expression. The New B Gallery, on
its own behalf, promotes the dissemination of a more experimental contemporary
art.
EMERGING ART IN CHINA
China has a long and complex history. Much of contemporary Chinese art shows a country emerging from a totalitarian government. Today, China still struggles for a freedom of expression longed for years. A new generation of artists – as some were born after the days of Mao (1976), and others even after the events of Tiananmen (1989) – speak of repressed feelings for generations. The new Chinese art expresses, in many cases, anger and trauma; but, however, it also celebrates a newly discovered talent and power, which have led China to an unprecedented economic growth.
EMERGING ART IN CHINA
China has a long and complex history. Much of contemporary Chinese art shows a country emerging from a totalitarian government. Today, China still struggles for a freedom of expression longed for years. A new generation of artists – as some were born after the days of Mao (1976), and others even after the events of Tiananmen (1989) – speak of repressed feelings for generations. The new Chinese art expresses, in many cases, anger and trauma; but, however, it also celebrates a newly discovered talent and power, which have led China to an unprecedented economic growth.
Artists such as Zhang Huan, Sung Xun, Li Songsong, Du Xinjian, Wang Meng Jing and Wu Chun have become the standard-bearers of Chinese art. Also the talent in this country is always evolving. This is why, visiting Shanghai, you'll find many galleries that bet upon emerging art. One example is the East Link Gallery, created by Li Liang, in 1999. This space has a recognized international reputation for discovering young talent, in fact, many of the artists who have passed through its doors have become major figures in contemporary art today.
This same line of work follows 1918 Art SPACE, as it cooperates with emerging artists from around the world; with the intention of promoting undiscovered talent. The gallery occupies an entire building of three stories and has a terrace with views to the Suzhou River. It is a platform to explore new dimensions in contemporary art and Chinese culture. Also, Island 6 and Shine Art Gallery are other channels that introduce new Chinese talents to the world’s market of art.
Other not to be missed galleries are: Twocities Art Gallery, one of the few galleries that specialize in one type of art, which is more handcrafted and traditional; along with Vanguar Gallery, a place for artists to unleash their creativity; and finally, M97 Gallery, specialized solely in photography.
Outside the M50
Although not all contemporary art focuses on the district M50, the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (MOCA) is located in an old greenhouse at the Park of the People. The museum has 4,000 square meters and is designed to make the most of the available natural light. Good place for the public who wants to know and appreciate contemporary Chinese art, along with the most interesting proposals from foreign countries.
Near the park, on the street North Maoming Road, you’ll find a colonial mansion that houses the independent gallery Andrew James. It was founded in London, in 2005. You’ll find the work of major artists from Japan, Korea and China. In this area you can also visit the OV Gallery, with a diverse program of exhibitions, focused on promoting emerging, local and foreign artists. And finally, Fei Contemporay Art Center, a non-profit space which was founded by the artist Li Xiaofei with the purpose of organizing exhibitions and experimental art events. This interesting project additionally provides a platform for research and development of more contemporary Chinese art.
Although not all contemporary art focuses on the district M50, the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (MOCA) is located in an old greenhouse at the Park of the People. The museum has 4,000 square meters and is designed to make the most of the available natural light. Good place for the public who wants to know and appreciate contemporary Chinese art, along with the most interesting proposals from foreign countries.
Near the park, on the street North Maoming Road, you’ll find a colonial mansion that houses the independent gallery Andrew James. It was founded in London, in 2005. You’ll find the work of major artists from Japan, Korea and China. In this area you can also visit the OV Gallery, with a diverse program of exhibitions, focused on promoting emerging, local and foreign artists. And finally, Fei Contemporay Art Center, a non-profit space which was founded by the artist Li Xiaofei with the purpose of organizing exhibitions and experimental art events. This interesting project additionally provides a platform for research and development of more contemporary Chinese art.
As if all this isn’t enough, China is hosting a fair that displays
the most interesting proposals of all the art-scene. The SHContemporary is now
the most dynamic art fair in Asia. This edition was held during the 9th
and 12th of September. Taking advantage of its coincidence with the World
Expo 2010, making that this year the streets of Shanghai are filled with artworks.
ART IN SHANGHAI
The once-sleeping giant now is showing its artistic potential. Evolving art, charged with feeling and exercising its reflection on various matters. Art that talks about the history of this country and its new reality. Always through experimental and innovative proposals. Shanghai has established itself as a city of reference in which we can enjoy experimental and avant-garde art. Contemporary art with new qualities and attributes that you can’t miss if you visit this city.
The once-sleeping giant now is showing its artistic potential. Evolving art, charged with feeling and exercising its reflection on various matters. Art that talks about the history of this country and its new reality. Always through experimental and innovative proposals. Shanghai has established itself as a city of reference in which we can enjoy experimental and avant-garde art. Contemporary art with new qualities and attributes that you can’t miss if you visit this city.
Urs
Fischer (1973) has constructed through his sculptures an universe of mutations
that modify the surface and structure of everyday objects.
Urs
Fischer presents an imaginary world in constant develop which, sometimes, even
escapes of the artist’s control. Fischer gives shape to materials that are
habitually around, such as wood, glass, paint, clay, metal, rubber, foam,
Polystyrene or plastic, and turn them into surreal figures to attack routine
and the wearing-out of circadian life.
Fischer
has created sculptures in a rich assortment of materials including unstable
substances as melted wax and rotting fruit. Is in a constant search of new
plastic solutions. Fischer also constructed houses from bread and granted life
to animated puppets; as well he has dissected objects or took them out of
proportion, aiming to reinvent our relation with these objects, which are
around us and the quotidian makes them invisible. Even, in 2007, he dared to
excavate a great hole in the floor of a gallery of New York.
The
artistic practise of Urs Fischer is based in a deep consideration on the nature
of all substances. Reviving historical genres of art as still-lifes, nudes,
portraits, landscapes, and potent sculptures. His work reflects the complexity
and astonishing banality of everyday.
His
oeuvres bear the echoes of transformation and decadency, pieces that can give
the impression of being beautiful or appalling, familiar or bizarre, subtle or
insufferable.
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