An exhibition showing development of American art is to hold in Shanghai from May 1. The two-month exhibition, "Art in America - 300 Years of Innovation" features approximately 120 artists from early 18th century.

Divided into six historical periods, the exhibition demonstrates how the art of each era both reflected and contributed to a complex visual narrative of the nation during times of discovery, growth, and experimentation.

The exhibition explores issues of identity, creation, innovation, and scale-characteristics integral to the American consciousness and derived in part from the variety and vastness of the cultural, political, ethnic, economic, and natural landscapes of the United States.

The six sections, each marking significant phases of the country's development, are: Colonization and Rebellion (1700-1830), Expansion and Fragmentation (1830-80), Cosmopolitanism and Nationalism (1880-1915), Modernism and Regionalism (1915-45), Prosperity and Disillusionment (1945-80), and Multiculturalism and Globalization (1980-present).

The exhibition premieres in Beijing from February to April, and then travels to Shanghai where it will be jointly presented by the Shanghai Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai.

Date: May 1 - June 30
Venue: 201 People Avenue, People Square
Tel: 021- 6372-3500