ICC at the ROM exhibition closes Sunday, November 2, 2008
Shanghai Kaleidoscope, an exhibition focusing on key aspect’s of the city’s vibrant culture, closes on Sunday, November 2, 2008. Since it’s May 4th opening, the exhibition has offered an unprecedented view of one of the world's most dynamic cities and highlights an emerging generation of Chinese artists, architects and fashion designers. Presented by Manulife Financial, it is on display in the Institute of Contemporary Culture’s (ICC) Roloff Beny Gallery on Level 4 of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.
Organized by the ICC and guest-curated by Christopher Philips of New York’s International Centre for Photography, Shanghai Kaleidoscope provides an insider’s view of the city’s high-speed, high-density, high-rise culture, seen from the vantage point of those who are taking part in its astonishing transformation and growth.
Since the early 1990s, Shanghai has been one of the world’s fastest-changing cities. In the last ten years, approximately 60% of the old city has been razed and covered with new construction. Thousands of skyscrapers have been erected, a new subway system built, an ultramodern international airport and numerous new bridges and tunnels have been constructed. With 20 million inhabitants, it has become China’s largest, most dynamic and globally connected city. This rush to economic power has encouraged the rise of a remarkable cultural life.
Other information:
Until October 26, 2008, coinciding with Shanghai Kaleidoscope, the ROM presents Shanghai 1860 -1940: Historical Photographs, a selection of 80 historical photographs of Shanghai in the Herman Herzog Levy Gallery on Level 1. Personal, powerful and poignant images document the development of Shanghai to China’s foremost commercial and cultural centre in the early 20th century up to the radical changes of 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was established.
Institute for Contemporary Culture:
The ICC at the ROM plays a vital role in a museum whose collections embrace many civilizations, as well as the record of nature through the ages. In the context of the ROM’s lively documentation of history, the ICC explores current cultural issues through exhibitions of art and architecture, lectures, film series, and informal gatherings. For more information on the ICC, visit www.rom.on.ca/about/icc