Contemporary Art in Shanghai: ShContemporary 08, Biennale & Shanghai Art Fair

With three major art events opening in Shanghai this week, (ShContemporary 08, Shanghai Biennale and Shanghai Art Fair), September is an important month for artists, galleries, art collectors and unemployed Art History students.  And alongside these big events, most galleries in Shanghai are also hosting special exhibitions with the hopes of attracting the attention of the international art collectors who are swarming the city.

"Despite only being in its second year, ShContemporary now attracts more than 130 galleries, representing 20 countries, with visitors and collectors from all over the world", writes Girolamo Marri of SH in his article Art Beats, "and half of the participating galleries are from outside the Asia Pacific area. Even if you're not an art dealer or art professional, going to ShContemporary should still be a priority."

And with art comes the special VIP after parties that we crashed last year (SHContemporary 07 was especially good, yum smoked salmon canapes). But most of the time it's by-invitation-only and you need to sneak in uninvited. We've listed some, but not all the events. Some are just too top secret.

Mark your calendars for art openings this week: