Most people who have been to Shanghai know of Xintiandi, which is an area of Shanghainese Shikumen homes renovated and transformed into a district of upscale restaurants and shopping. Tianzifang is “the other” district with more artists and studios, along with restaurants and cafes all hidden behind rows of housing on Taikang Lu (Street). Building are not renovated like Xintiandi has, so there is still that old Shanghainese charm that is now difficult to find amidst all of the mass teardowns and re-construction all over the city. This alone is worth a visit.

You can get there on Shanghai Metro line number 9 to Dapuqiao station.

The July issue of Wallpaper* takes a look at Art & Sex, which is a first for the magazine. One of the features that I found interesting is the art of “Tart Cards,” which are cards that are placed in phone booths (particularly in London) advertising services of call girls. I have seen these cards in phone booths in London before, but never thought that these cards could have artistic value. In doing a little more research, there’s even a tart card book that is sold on Amazon.com. So perhaps it’s really true that this “accidental art” has some sort of cult following. Art is really everywhere you look.

Do check out the Wallpaper* site for a complete set of images of tart cards designed by students and designers.

If you are in London, there is an exhibition of over 400 cards from June 22-29 in conjunction with Type LLP and St Bride Library titled “Typographical Tart Cards” here:

KKOutlet
42 Hoxton Square
London N1 6PB