September 3, 2008

Art in Shanghai

China's time in the world's spotlight has only begun. With a biennial and two art fairs opening next week in Shanghai and a major exhibition of Shanghai art and design in Toronto, Artkrush looks past the Beijing Olympics' spangled, record-breaking pomp to the vibrant art scene of China's largest city. We examine the ShContemporary art fair, which covers work from 20 countries; we single out the dreamy, transporting videos of ShC Best of Discovery artist Hiraki Sawa; and Artkrush editor Paul Laster speaks to curator Christopher Phillips about his Shanghai Kaleidoscope show at the Royal Ontario Museum. Our media pick, Shanghai: The Architecture of China's Great Urban Center, explores the city's uncanny skyline, while, on the gallery circuit, we recommend Sarah Morris' origami-inspired abstractions at London's White Cube and an energetic group show of '80s art at New York's Paul Kasmin Gallery.