Shanghai’s F&B venues take on the art scene
You may have noticed that things are starting to look a little different in your favorite eateries. Many of Shanghai's restaurants and bars are giving their walls a makeover, displaying the works of local artists. Indicative of this phenomenon is an upcoming show at Arch on Changshu Lu by British designer / illustrator Nick Hersey. The show is a site-specific installation centered around the Chinese punk band LOUDSPEAKER. The exhibition, which includes acetate transfers, screen prints and a limited run of customized band t-shirts, will be shown for six weeks. "I chose Arch because they position themselves as a design-led contemporary enterprise," says Hersey. "The work that I am showing has been created for the space, and as such it's appropriate for both the setting and the audience that hangs out at the café." According to Hersey, "cafés are a wonderful channel for getting to the public without having to use a more formal gallery setting." Angelo Guese, Arch's manager, has been hosting art shows in his cafés for three years. The first show at Arch began as a favor for a friend, but the success of the exhibition led to continued events. "The [customer] response was so overwhelming that I decided to continue doing art exhibitions whenever there were available artists," he says.

Andrew James, owner of the gallery Andrew James Art, explains that "the art market today breaks down into many different layers ... A famous artist wouldn't want to hold an exhibition in a café or bar; however, many great works have been commissioned especially for restaurants or bars," says James. Non-traditional shows provide mutual benefits for new artists and venues. The ambiance of the space changes every few months, providing a fresh look and attracting new patrons. It also provides up-and-coming artists with a chance to display their work without requiring the same notoriety that's necessary for top gallery shows.

According to Isabella Liu, the owner of La Bella Café, showing art was always a part of the venue's vision. Art "add[s] to the visual atmosphere of the café and brings La Bella's closer to creative communities." On the attraction of non-traditional spaces for artists, Liu says, "we don't charge the same commissions that a commercial gallery would charge an artist, benefiting everyone." Other bars and restaurants that organize exhibitions include Southern Barbarian, Lounge 18 and even The Shelter which hosts Urban Art shows. This summer, escape the heat, stay indoors and enjoy good food, strong drinks and cool art.

Lisa Weir

Details

When: Ongoing
Where: Arch > Changshu Lu
Tel: 5403-2125