Pick of Six Shanghai Art Exhibitions: Jan 20-26

By Andrew Chin, January 20, 2017

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A recurring look at what's happening at Shanghai's art galleries:


1. Song Dong - I Don’t Know the Mandate of Heaven

Song Dong: I Don't Know the Mandate of Heaven

Chinese artist Song Dong’s first major solo exhibition at home in eight years will his  best-known works with several rarely exhibited pieces. Several pieces have been specifically commissioned by RAM for the show, including a transformation of the entire building overseen by Song.
Jan 21-Mar 26. Rockbund Art Museum.


2. James Turrell - Immersive Light

James Turrell - Immersive Light

For their first major exhibition of the year, Long Museum West Bund scores a big one with this retrospective from the award-winning American artist known for his innovative work with light (which Drake famously paid tribute to in his 'Hotline Bling' video). Throughout his acclaimed decades-long career, Turrell has worked with extinct volcanoes and creating skyscapes through enclosed apertures.
Jan 22-May 21. Long Museum (West Bund).


3. Dragon Liver Phoenix Brain

Dragon Liver Phoenix Brain (Hu Xiangqian)

The title of this year’s OCAT’s Shanghai annual young artists project “combines the literal meaning of ‘rare delicacy’ with the formal quality of kung-fu movie titles, and a hint of sexuality.” Eight participating artists have been given eight independent rooms to showcase a variety of works that span from video to sculpture and performance. The show plays with the idea of exhibition spaces as interiors/exteriors, with the location of the works with different rooms playing with gender combinations playing a role. While the works will make their debut on December 11, some of the participating artists like Hu Xiangqian  are also involved in the 11th Shanghai Biennale at Power Station of Art (pictured).

Until Feb 12. OCT Contemporary Art Terminal.


4. Emerging Curators Project

Grain God Narrative

The results of the third edition of this Power Station of Art organized contest for young Chinese artists are in and the three winning programs will be staying open as usual during Spring Festival. On the fifth floor of the Power Station of Art is Axis Art Project’s Street Fighter inspired Amoy Meat Factory, as well as the interactive database Articulations Summit by Liu Yihong, Wang Yan and Ou I-Chun. At the Swatch Peace Art Hotel is Mao Chenyu, Zhou Jing and Fen Lei’s Grain God Narrative (pictured) that explores the relationship between the rural and urban.
Until Feb 14. Power Station of Art and Swatch Peace Art Hotel.


5. Gu Wenda: Journey to the West

Gu Wenda: Journey to the West

The renowned Shanghainese artist takes over Minsheng 21st Century Art Museum (m21) with his largest solo exhibition in the past 40 years. Around 300 pieces from his iconic career like his well-known experimental ink and wash paintings, as well as large-scale installations will be featured. Journey to the West reflects Gu’s recent turn towards participatory art and includes the exceedingly ambitious Red Light in Heaven (pictured above) where the exterior of the museum will be covered in red lanterns.
Until Feb 17. m21.


6. Shanghai Biennale

Shanghai Biennale

Power Station of Art hosts the 11th edition of this massive contemporary art fair that will emphasize “the possibilities of South-South dialogue within the current scenario of a highly connected world.” The acclaimed Dehli-based Raqs Media Collective (pictured above) curates presenting a destination for many different kinds of exploration and investigation that will also serve as a launching pad for new visions, ideas and artists.
Until Mar 12, 9am-5pm, RMB20. Power Station of Art.


All image rights are reserved to the artists and galleries. Click here for past Pick of Six columns.

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