Edgier Běijīng still dominates the art scene, but swanky Shànghǎi’s own gallery subculture is centred on this complex of industrial buildings down graffiti-splashed Moganshan Rd. Although the artists who originally established the M50 enclave are long gone, it’s worth putting aside a half-day to poke around the galleries. There’s a lot of mass-produced commercial prints, but there are also some challenging and innovative galleries. Most galleries are open from 10am to 6pm; some close on Monday.
The most established gallery here, ShanghART has a big, dramatic space to show the work of some of the 40 artists it represents. The forward-thinking and provocative island6 focuses on collaborative works created in a studio behind the gallery; it has a smaller gallery on the first floor of building seven. Other notable galleries include Other Gallery and OFoto , featuring China-related photography exhibitions. Across the street is m97 , another innovative photography gallery. For paint and art materials, artists can drop by well-stocked Espace Pébéo . For photo-developing courses and prints, pop into Dark Room .
