Highlights of SH Contemporary 2012

SH Contemporary 2012 took place in the first week of September, at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. It incorporated a packed program of studio visits and art events, arranged in collaboration with some of the leading galleries. Serving the structured development of the art markets in the region, it’s an commercial platform apart from a curatorially-led initiative, displaying new finds in the domain of contemporary art to discerning art lovers and international collectors. Here are some of the highlights of the 2012 edition:

• It was an outstanding show with over 90 exhibitors from 18 countries, over 30 Chinese contemporary art museums, strong special projects, a captivating series of talks and conferences, activities involving the city’s main museums and galleries; that’s what attracted over 600 collectors from all over the world and over 35,000 visitors to the Shanghai Exhibition Center for SH Contemporary 2012.
• SH Contemporary 2012 was organized into 2 main sections juxtaposing and amplifying cutting-edge and emerging art. The Art Show features over 90 selected exhibitors, including top galleries and sectors dedicated to young galleries and galleries specialized in photography and prints, and private collections and institutions. SH Contemporary Projects, coordinated by Arthub Asia’s network of curators with the support of participating galleries, highlighted the work of leading Chinese and international talents into different sections.
• ‘Now Ink’, an exhibition initiated with last edition of SH Contemporary, focused on new ink and calligraphy-related multimedia works. ‘Hot Spots’ was dedicated to large scale and site specific projects, and on-site performances, by established artists, including this year a series of monumental commissioned pieces by contemporary Indian sculptors. It was developed in co-operation with The Creative India Foundation and its director Diana Campbell.
• ‘The Video Room’ was dedicated to the latest developments in moving image and new media. The 2nd edition of The Asia Pacific Photography Prize was awarded by a prestigious jury of international photographers, editors, curators and critics.
• SH Contemporary 2012 featured an extensive cycle of panel discussions and talks. Conversations was a cycle of conferences addressing issues regarding the region’s art markets and their relationships. Pillow Talks was a new series of intimate conversations among artists, critics, curators, gallerists, and collectors friends. 
• Premiered during SH Contemporary 2011 to help bridging galleries and museum collections, the Private Museum Alliance - hosted by Le Royal Méridien Shanghai (by invitation only) – brought to the fair a consortium of 28 museums based in mainland China, both public and private. The first edition of The Asian Curators Meeting focused on the way non-Asian institutions collect, and display.