The 2017 National College Student Art Exhibition opened at the Shanghai FTZ (Free Trade Zone) on Nov 20, showcasing traditional Chinese paintings, sculptures, woodcarving and oil paintings created by talented young artists.

At the opening of the exhibition the winner of the Art Star of Shanghai, Excellent Young Artist Awards was announced. After examinging and judging the works of thousands of submissions, another 18 young artists were also chosen as the potential young artists.

Hu Huanzhong, manager of Shanghai FTZ International Culture Investment and Development Company, said that the purpose of the Shanghai FTZ International Artwork Exchange Center holding this activity is to develop the center into an area of culture, art and academic research.

The center has been improving its functions since it was founded in 2016 in order to attract more attention to the development of the culture industry of the FTZ. IT has set a series of goals, such as marketing more of its artworks and holding more exhibitions, forums, and academic activities.

Hu added that people should make full use of the service channels to facilitate the export of artworks and improve the conditions for the trade of artworks.

Jin Shangyi, president of Chinese Artists Association, affirmed the role of art markets in boosting the development of art and the contribution of the exhibition to encouraging more young artists to get into the art market.

The exhibition will run until January next year, and will also be held at Art Gallery B2 of Shanghai Tower and Shanghai FTZ International Artwork Exchange Center. 

Hu Wendan, from China Central Academy of Fine Arts, wins the Art Star of Shanghai, Excellent Young Artist Award with the oil painting "The flowering shrubs you have pass by". [Photo/ artron.net]