We're moving on through Shanghai's autumn art season with yet more incredible shows to go and discover. As the weather turns cooler this month, these are seven of the best exhibitions on offer right now. See full details for all the shows at the bottom of this page.
1. Felix Gonzalez-Torres
Until December 25, Rockbund Art Museum, 30RMB
What's on? In the first solo exhibition in China from the influential artist, RAM presents more than 40 of Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ selected artworks from 30 institutions and collections across the world. Beautifully curated by Larys Frogier and Li Qi, this spectacular show challenges its audience to revise our own definition of art history.
Don't miss: The simple podium on the third floor, painted in blue and framed with light bulbs. Once a day, for no more than a few minutes, a Go-Go dancer emerges to perform on the platform, dancing in silver shorts while listening to music through headphones. No one can tell exactly when that will be. With your camera at the ready, do you wait a little while longer? Or have you already missed it?
2. I will be your eyes
Until Sunday 23 October, Art + Shanghai Gallery, Free
What’s on? Under the theme of ‘maps’, this showcase introduces unique artworks by seven emerging ‘post-’90s’ artists. Fantastic from beginning to end, this spectacular exhibition is a hidden gem among this season’s wealth of shows.
Don’t miss: Shang Zongliang’s exploration into the mental maps used by the blind community to navigate the world around them.
3. Nature: A Subjective Place
Until November 27, Shanghai Center of Photography, 40RMB
What’s on? Photos from contemporary artists such as Lin Ran, Ni Youyu and Luo Yongjin are displayed alongside the classic works of American photographer Harry Callahan. With the subject of nature as its theme, the collection aims to inspire awe towards the natural world and an awareness of our role in shaping it.
Don’t miss: Luo Yongjin’s captivating 360-degree photo collage of the view from the Bell Tower in Xian.
4. OVERPOP
Until January 15, Yuz Museum, 80RMB
What’s on? Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Andy Warhol: Shadows in the centre of the exhibition on Saturday 29, OVERPOP takes the form of a curatorial conversation between Jeffrey Deitch and Karen Smith. The artists in this group exhibition work across media in an attempt to offer answers to the question, ‘Is pop art over?’
Don’t miss: The remarkable immersive installation ‘The Flat Side of the Knife’ by LA- based artist Samara Golden. In this work, Golden uses mirrors to create imaginary depth below the museum floor, suggesting spaces that do not actually exist.
5. SNACKS
Until Sunday 16 October, Power Station of Art, Free
What’s on? This fun and quirky show includes various street art, comics and installation works. Aiming to spread a little joy and put a smile on visitors’ faces, SNACKS showcases the experiences of diverse lifestyles from all over the globe.
Don’t miss: Jan Bucquoy’s snack truck giving away free fries to all visitors from 3-5pm on weekends.
6. Truth
Until Saturday 29 October, MD Gallery, Free
What’s on? Chinese artists Li Hongbo and Shi Ningfang play on the distortion between what we see and what really constitutes artwork, with inventive sculptures and installations.
Don’t miss: Li Hongbo’s portrait busts created exclusively for MD Gallery using thousands of layers of up-cycled newspaper.
7. Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou
Friday 7 October until 15 January, Shanghai Exhibition Center, 80RMB
What's on? Okay, so you can't go and see this one RIGHT now, but you should definitely head over there ASAP once it opens on Friday 7. The world-renowned Parisian contemporary art museum, the Centre Pompidou, presents their long awaited exhibition in Shanghai this month, bringing works from the biggest names in modern art history. Take this amazing opportunity to see some of the world's best art up close.
Don't miss: Picasso, although Spanish-born, spent most of his adult life in France, and was kind of a big deal. Check out his painting on show. In his own words: ‘My mother said to me, “If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.” Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.’
See full details for all seven shows by clicking 'read more' below.
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