Now... or not

Sunday found myself and JW combining our stupendous (or perhaps some other word that starts with "stup") brain power to figure out how to actually get inside the China Design Now exhibit at the Portland Art Museum.

Two entrances and four lines later, we climbed a staircase through a blindingly (cliche alert) red light towards the red lanterns marking the entrance along the big red wall.

I had been super excited about this "Now" exhibit of contemporary design since many of the materials I've found so far in my research are dated from 2007/08. Not quite good enough, imo, to examine a society that's changing so rapidly (ask me about the difference between Bulgaria 2000 and Bulgaria 2002 some time).

Unfortunately I must admit to being disappointed. Two medium-sized rooms of exhibits. Two. One is devoted to art & design from Shenzhen, which was a little interesting. The other room was divided between Shanghai and Beijing, with the Beijing exhibits largely turned over to information about the Olympics.

Considering the expense, logistical hurdles, and paucity of the exhibits, I say save your time and your $16 and look at this art and design on the web.