Still life exhibition extends run in Shanghai

The first major exhibition of works by Italian still life painter Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964) in Shanghai will extend to November 20, according to Jiushi Art Museum.

The exhibition opened at Jiushi Art Museum in July and was expected to conclude on Oct 9, but after being "encouraged by the enthusiasm of audiences," the museum decided to prolong the exhibition by six more weeks.

Since its opening in July the exhibition has received more than 30,000 visitors, causing sensation on social media platforms.

According to the exhibition curator, Stefano Zuffi, the showcase features 51 original artworks, including 39 oil paintings, four watercolour pieces, two sketches and four lithographic prints from the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, the Morandi Museum in Bologna, Italy, as well as the private Giovanardi Collection.

The Italian was famous for his unique handling of colours that often featured muted tones and pale shades.

Such colours are particularly popular today thanks to the aesthetics of picture-sharing social media sites. Similar hues like pale green, blue and grayish pink are also widely used in interior decoration and fashion design.

With the support of the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai, the exhibition is a highlight of the 2022 China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism.