Hot events this January to help you welcome in 2018

The new year is nearly upon us. Say goodbye to the past year, and say a big hello to 2018! As usual, we’ve prepared several wonderful events for you to consider over the short break, including an excellent exhibition, a unique architectural retrospective, hot musical performances, and amazing drama shows. Go and enjoy the charm 2018 has to offer. 

Xiang Jing: Through No One’s Eyes But My Own

Highlights: A comprehensive retrospective of the artist Xiang Jing

A solo exhibition of Xiang Jing is underway at Long Museum West Bund, and it runs until February 25.

This exhibition, titled “Xiang Jing: Through No One’s Eyes But My Own,” is a comprehensive retrospective of the artist that covers her twenty-one year art journey. As one of the most important contemporary artists in China, Xiang’s artworks seek the links among nature, the modern human character, and the truth of life itself.

The highlight of this exhibition is the artist’s five core thematic series, including “Mirror Image” (1999-2002), “Keep in Silence” (2003-2005), “Naked Beyond Skin” (2006-2008), “Will Things Ever Get Better?” (2008-2011), and “S” (2012-2016). All these pieces will be featured in this retrospective along with her other works, making this her largest solo exhibition to date.

Date: On now until February 25, 2018
Venue: Long Museum West Bund
Tickets: 250 yuan (US$38.4)

PSA: Superstudio 50

Highlights: Italian architecture group Superstudio’s first complete retrospective in China 

One of the most renowned architecture groups in Italy, Superstudio’s first complete retrospective in China was launched at the Power Station of Art and runs until March 11.

Founded in Florence, Italy in 1966, Superstudio became influential ever since they presented their first show, entitled “Superarchitettura,” in Pistoia the same year.

Now, 50 years on from its foundation, this retrospective presents over 200 works by Superstudio, including installations, graphic works, photographs and publications in a chronological order that covers the group’s entire career, as well as their development.

It also gathers a number of Superstudio’s iconic design objects such as the Bazaar (1969) and the Sofa (1968, produced by Giovanetti and Poltronova respectively), all symbols of the group's long-standing influence that can still be seen in today’s design scene.

Date: Through March 11, 2018
Venue: Power Station of Art
Ticket: 60 yuan

Gaudi’s Legendary Masterpieces in Shanghai

Highlights: Spanish architect Gaudi’s masterpieces come to Shanghai 

Instead of visiting Barcelona, fans of architecture and art can now appreciate the uniqueness of Antonio Gaudi’s legendary works at Shanghai's Joy City until March 4.

As the first largest-scaled exhibition of Gaudi’s work in Shanghai, “Gaudi’s Wonder World Legend of the Century” features a number of exceptional large-scale reproductions of representative works by the renowned Catalan architect, like Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo, providing a remarkable opportunity for intercultural communication.

For better interaction and an enhanced experience, the exhibition features three artistic interactive spaces, which introduce Antonio Gaudi and his style and inspirations. The exhibition also presents his art creations like ceramic mosaics and stained glass, and his crafts and manuscripts are displayed. 

Visitors can definitely indulge themselves in the world of modern art.

Date: Through March 4, 2018
Venue: Shanghai Joy City
Tickets: 48 yuan

New Year’s concert by Vienna Waltzer Orchestra

Highlights: The renowned Vienna Waltzer Orchestra will perform for Shanghai audiences

The renowned Vienna Waltzer Orchestra will hold a New Year’s concert at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on January 19 and 20.

The Orchestra was founded in 1990 by famous Austrian composer Johann Strauss.

Over the years, it has performed all over the world, including Japan, Italy, Korea and China. The orchestra has also won music awards worldwide and gained a huge number of fans.

In Shanghai, the Vienna Waltzer Orchestra will perform a series of classical works including “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” “Adagio Famous” and “For a Few Dollars.”

Date: January 19 and 20, 2018
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Tickets: 80 - 980 yuan

Imagine Dragons: 2018 National Tour - Shanghai

Highlights: American rock band “Imagine Dragons” will hit Shanghai 

Famous American rock band “Imagine Dragons” will hold a concert at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on January 17.

Since making their full-length debut with 2012’s multi-platinum Night Visions, Imagine Dragons have drawn worldwide adoration for their anthemic yet moody alt-rock. 

On their third album, Evolve, the Grammy Award-winning band shifted perspective and took on a brighter, more layered emotional outlook.

This time, Imagine Dragons will bring their latest album to Shanghai, promising a memorable show for local fans.

Date: January 17, 2018
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Arena
Tickets: 480 - 1,280 yuan

ONE OK ROCK Ambitions Asia Tour 2018, Shanghai

Highlights: One of the most popular rock bands in Japan — ONE OK ROCK will return

Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK will give a charged performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on January 23 with their new album “Ambitions”.

Founded in 2005, ONE OK ROCK is now one of the most popular rock bands in Japan, and they've broken the boundaries of music by using multiple music forms and styles.

Over the years, the band has performed numerous live shows, including large concerts and music festivals. 

It is worth mentioning that the band has completed several hugely successful concerts such as Nippon Budokan Live in 2010, Yokohama Stadium Live in 2014, and The Arena Tour in 2013 and 2015. 

This is a show not to be missed!

Date: January 23, 2018
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Arena
Tickets: 480 - 1,180 yuan

Shadow performance: Shadowland

Highlights: Shadow dance performance "Shadowland” promises a wonderful, surreal experience

Renowned shadow dance performance "Shadowland” will be staged at Shanghai Oriental Art Center by American dance troupe "Pilobolus” on January 12 and 13.

Shadowland combines multimedia, projected shadow play, and front-of-screen choreography in a wild evening of storytelling that is uniquely Pilobolus. 

The story is a surreal experience of a young girl’s sensational world as she comes of age. 

Shadowland is the first theatrical event of its kind to tour the globe, and is set to a rhythmic original score. The songs work to illuminate the themes and visuals of this fascinating story and world.

Pilobolus was founded in 1971 in New Hampshire. Over the past years, Pilobolus has performed on Broadway, at the Oscars, and at the Olympic games, and they have been active in a number of TV shows, movies, and advertisements.

Date: January 12 and 13, 2018
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Tickets: 80 - 680 yuan