Manchester

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'Boutique' at Manchester Chinese Arts Centre

Everyone’s got something to say about China. Whether it’s the hullabaloo surrounding the Beijing Olympics or Manchester International Festival’s 'Monkey: Journey to the West', China has suddenly become a hot topic. But only a few years ago, contemporary Chinese art was treated rather shoddily in Britain and work by Chinese artists was all but overlooked. It was into this atmosphere that Manchester’s Chinese Arts Centre was born. It spent its early days tirelessly promoting contemporary Chinese art and now, 21 years on, it’s finally riding the crest of a cultural wave.

 

To celebrate its coming of age, the Centre hosts a specially commissioned anniversary exhibition. Handily coinciding with the start of the shopping – sorry, festive - season, 'Boutique' features work by a group of international artists fascinated by consumer culture. Anthony Key, Lisa Cheung, Pamela So and Nina Chua bring into the gallery a mix of sculpture, textiles, cut paper and design. Fittingly, much of their work is also on sale, making this show is a must-see for anyone who considers themselves a slave to the shops (which, let’s face it, is most of us…).

 

Boutique Chinese Arts Centre, Market Buildings, Thomas Street, M4 1EU (832 7271/www.chinese-arts-centre.org). Until December 24, 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun; free.

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