Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated 2024 West Bund Art & Design fair is scheduled to take place from November 8 to 10 at multiple venues: the West Bund Art Center (Hall A and Hall B), West Bund Dome, GATE M Dream Center, and ORBIT. Each venue promises to offer an immersive experience for art enthusiasts.
Art lovers are advised to don comfy shoes this November to fully enjoy the bustling schedule of art fairs, exhibitions, and events taking place across the city. With so much to explore, being comfortable is key to an enriching experience.
Among the highlights, West Bund Art & Design and the ART021 Contemporary Art Fair, recognized as one of the premier art events in Asia, are essential stops for anyone with a passion for art and design. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with groundbreaking artworks and meet influential figures in the art world.
The fairs serve as the standout events of the 6th Shanghai International Art Trade Week, which will run from November 7 to 11, drawing an eclectic mix of galleries, artists, private collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the globe to Shanghai’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Since its inception in 2014, the West Bund Art & Design fair has harbored aspirations to elevate its status among the world’s elite art fairs. This year’s expanded six venues stand as a testament to its strategy and the significant cultural impact the West Bund area has experienced over the last decade.
This year’s edition of West Bund Art & Design has successfully attracted an impressive roster of 122 leading galleries from 50 different cities across 23 countries and regions. Established heavyweights in the art world, including Hauser & Wirth, Ota Fine Arts, Pace Gallery, ShanghART Gallery, White Cube, and WHITE SPACE, are set to showcase their exceptional collections for the 11th consecutive year.
International artist Irene Chang, who made her mark as a participant in previous fairs, expresses her admiration for the event: “I used to visit Art Basel HK. But I was so amazed to find West Bund Art & Design in Shanghai in 2016, as the fair reached such a high international quality, including the level of participating galleries and its innovative space design. I hoped my artworks would be presented here at West Bund Art & Design one day.”
“The Golden Age II” by Irene Chang at Artrue Gallery, oil on canvas
Chang’s dream has finally come to fruition; her artworks were first displayed at the fair last year. This year, Artrue Gallery is proud to present her evocative “Golden Age” series to the public. Her journey from Taipei to Shanghai had a profound influence on her work.
Chang reflects: “I had lived in Taipei, Paris, New York, and Hong Kong. I came to stay in Shanghai about 15 years ago. I witnessed the dramatic changes and development here. ‘The Golden Age’ series not only mirrors my personal experience but also reflects my love for the city of Shanghai. It is a miraculous place.”
In addition to the renowned galleries, a featured segment called DREAM xiàn chǎng will be supported by the GATE M Dream Center and will showcase an expansive collection of artworks from approximately 40 invited artists, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and installations across various venues and outdoor public spaces. This curated selection aims to elevate the dialogue around contemporary art.
“Out of Control No.3” by Zhang Qing at DREAM xiàn chǎng, mixed media on paper
Highlighting the diverse offerings at the fair is the Salone del Mobile. Milano, the world’s leading furniture fair, which will present “The Orbit’s Orbit.” This captivating event features a dialogue and performative installation by artist Matilde Cassani at ORBIT, paying homage to iconic Italian design with a refined selection of pieces from renowned Italian brands.
If you go:
VIP Preview (invitation-only)
Nov 7 (Thursday) 1pm-7pm (ORBIT will close at 5pm)
Nov 8 (Friday) 12noon-1pm
Public Days
Nov 8 (Friday) 1pm-6pm
Nov 9 (Saturday) 12noon-6pm
Nov 10 (Sunday) 12noon-6pm
Venue: West Bund Art Center (Hall A and Hall B), West Bund Dome, GATE M Dream Center, and ORBIT along the West Bund
Admission: 200 yuan (please scan the QR code to buy tickets)
The 12th edition of ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair will open at the Shanghai Exhibition Center from November 7 to 11, showcasing a rich tapestry of global art. About 31 participating galleries and projects from 43 cities in 20 countries and regions will bring their creativity to the forefront.
ART021 continues to champion the theme ‘Global Art In Shanghai Time,’ showcasing a wide array of contemporary art that enhances Shanghai’s burgeoning global cultural identity. Zhou Dawei, a founding member of ART021, stated, “We aim to introduce the best galleries and artists from around the world while firmly supporting young Chinese galleries to ensure their impactful presence and contribution to the art landscape.”
“Composition No.8.7.23” by Feng Xiaomin at Opera Gallery, acrylic on canvas
During its third participation in ART021 Shanghai, Opera Gallery is excited to unveil a captivating collection of modern, post-war, and contemporary artworks. Fiona Heung, assistant manager at the gallery, notes, “With Shanghai being the cultural capital, we are excited to return to this ever-vibrant hub of creativity and contemporary art, which always offers something fresh and new.”
The 2024 ART021 is structured to include several key sectors: GALLERIES, APPROACH, public sector BEYOND, and SPECIAL PROJECT, with the DETOUR sector making a welcome return after two years. The predominant GALLERIES sector features an extensive selection of modern and contemporary art from both leading international and regional galleries, showcasing 13 galleries that have participated for a decade.
APPROACH is dedicated to highlighting innovative galleries and unique projects from across the globe, featuring 20 participating galleries from nine countries, with more than half showcasing their works for the first time.
DETOUR, curated by Danielle Shang, focuses on the theme of Asia and Its Diaspora, presenting works from contemporary artists of Asian descent that underscore diverse artistic practices. Meanwhile, the SPECIAL PROJECT sector will spotlight non-profit institutions, artist studios, and design brands that connect various industries with the art world brilliantly. Notably, Jebum-Gang Art Center, the first Tibetan public cultural space converted from an architectural relic, will exhibit works inspired by the rich Tibetan heritage.
If you go:
Collectors Preview (invitation-only)
Nov 7 Thursday 1-8pm (Admission ends 7pm)
Nov 8 Friday 1-8pm (Admission ends 7pm)
Public Days
Nov 9 Saturday 11am-6pm (Admission ends 5pm)
Nov 10 Sunday 11am-6pm (Admission ends 5pm)
Venue: Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan’an Rd M.
Admission: 200 yuan (please scan the QR code below to buy tickets)
**Interview with Irene Chang, International Artist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Irene! You’ve participated in the West Bund Art & Design fair before, and now you’re having your works exhibited again. Can you share how this event has influenced your artistic journey?
**Irene Chang:** Thank you for having me! My connection to the West Bund Art & Design fair has been significant since I first visited in 2016. I was so impressed by the high caliber of galleries and the overall innovative design of the space. It inspired me to aspire for my work to be showcased there someday. Finally exhibiting my “Golden Age” series last year was a dream come true.
**Editor:** That’s wonderful to hear! You mentioned in the past how Shanghai has influenced your work. Could you elaborate on how your experiences in different cities shaped your artistic vision?
**Irene Chang:** Absolutely! Each city I’ve lived in—Taipei, Paris, New York, and Hong Kong—has left a mark on me, but my time in Shanghai has been particularly profound. I’ve witnessed incredible development and change in the city over my 15 years here. The “Golden Age” series reflects both my personal experiences and my deep love for Shanghai. It truly is a miraculous place that inspires me both personally and artistically.
**Editor:** The West Bund Art & Design fair has expanded significantly this year, featuring an impressive number of galleries and artists. How do you see this growth impacting the global art scene?
**Irene Chang:** The growth of the fair and the number of participating galleries is a testament to Shanghai’s cultural evolution and its recognition on a global scale. By attracting such a diverse mix of artists and collectors, it not only enriches the local art scene but also fosters international dialogue. Events like these help elevate emerging talents and give audiences a chance to experience contemporary art from around the world.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in this year’s edition of the West Bund Art & Design fair?
**Irene Chang:** I’m excited to see the different creative expressions that will be highlighted this year, especially with the DREAM xiàn chǎng segment featuring various artists’ works. It’s exciting to see such a curated experience that aims to elevate the dialogue around contemporary art. I can’t wait to engage with fellow artists and art lovers during the fair!
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Irene. Best of luck at the West Bund Art & Design fair, and we look forward to seeing your work shine!
**Irene Chang:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and hope everyone enjoys the fair.
