The Olympic theme "One World, One Dream" is reflected not only in sporting arenas but also in the brushstrokes of Shanghai artists.

Organized by the Shanghai Artists' Association, the exhibition currently running at the Shanghai Art Museum features 126 works in oil, print, sculpture, watercolor and installations.

All the works showcased share the subject: the spirit of the Olympic Games.

"We received about 360 works and chose from these," says Chen Qi, an organizing staff member. "We were particularly impressed by some of the works from young artists."

Coinciding with the Beijing Olympic Games, the exhibition is one of a series of celebratory events in the city.

Chen believes that the sculptures in the exhibition are one of its highlights.

A large ceramic head of Yao Ming immediately catches the eye of the visitors. Sculptor Wang Wendong hopes that Yao will give an outstanding performance at the Games.

Other sculptures, whether they show the beautiful curves of swimmers or the frozen moments of the rifle target shooters, all exude a silent yet forceful aura.

"The Beijing Olympic Games are the pride of all the Chinese people," says Ruan Huachao, a young artist who has on show a painting of women volleyballers. "It is a pity that I can't go to Beijing myself but I have my own imagination. In my eyes, the Games are far beyond sport. They are also a presentation of life and culture."

Date: through August 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Address: 325 Nanjing Rd W., Shanghai.

Tel: 021-6327 2829

(Shanghai Daily August 15, 2008)