Hot Asian art served Italian style

Some of the best fresh Chinese, Asian and international art is showcased at ShContemporary 2007 - one of the year's hottest events. Around 100 galleries from 25 countries and regions take part in the China-Italy extravaganza through Sunday, writes Fei Lai.

For gallery owners, dealers, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts, nothing could be more dreadful than missing a glamorous art event - such as ShContemporary 2007. Put it on your list.

More than 100 galleries from 25 countries and regions have been selected by art experts for the exhibition at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. It runs through Sunday.

Organizers hope it will become the premier contemporary art exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Having a special focus on Asia, the fair comes at a time when new biennials, contemporary art museums and art centers are springing up throughout Asia.

It is organized by the Shanghai International Cultural Communication Association and other cultural groups, in cooperation with the Italian Trade Commission under the Italian Ministry of Trade.

"The explosive growth among the wealthy Asian upper and middle class and the recent trends towards Asian contemporary art have fostered development in Asia," says fair director Lorenzo Rudolf, an international contemporary art expert.

"We used to have an international art market that is totally focused on the United States and Europe. However, due to the social liberalization that can be found in most sections of Asia today, exciting and attractive Asian art is thriving all over the world now," he adds.