Exhibition Dates:
March 26, 2009 through September 13, 2009

Gallery Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Federal Holidays

Location:
Meridian International Center,
White-Meyer House (Cafritz Galleries)
1624 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009

METROPOLIS NOW! A Selection of Chinese Contemporary Art chronicles the significant changes taking place in China as that country experiences the rapid growth of its cities and the impact of globalization.

Chinese artists are keen observers of the transformations occurring in their urban landscapes. As with city-dwellers worldwide, metropolitan life impacts their social relationships and daily existence. It also challenges their emotions. Some react by depicting objective realities, while others focus on fanciful or satirical impressions that mirror everyday experiences.

This exhibition is the fruit of a long-standing relationship involving artistic and cultural exchanges between Meridian International Center and Chinese partners. It is inspired by a desire to provide Americans with a sense of today’s China through the medium of art. It marks the 30th anniversary of China’s opening to the world and the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries.

Meridian, together with the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), identified the artworks included in this exhibition. According to NAMOC Director Fan Di’an, METROPOLIS NOW! “represents a new achievement in cultural exchange between our nations and is the first exhibit of its kind to reach Washington, DC.”

This exhibition is presented as part of Meridian International Center’s Art for Cultural Diplomacy program that organizes initiatives to encourage Americans and people around the world to better understand one another.