In 2000, Shanghai was a site for multiple contested understandings of art and exhibition at a transitional moment for ‘global’ contemporary art.

This book explores what was at stake for modernity, contemporaneity, nationalism, internationalism and globalism in the city at the time; while looking back from diverse perspectives today.

Landmark artist-led initiatives are analysed alongside the state-led Shanghai Biennale, then in its third edition, with selected online projects, public interventions and commercial initiatives further complicating the landscape.

Published with Afterall.