As 2005 comes to an end, an exhibition of the works of 30 French artists reminds Shanghai of the artistic celebrations earlier this year that marked "The Year of France in China."

Although "The Year of France in China" ended some time ago, Shanghai remains in the grip of French fever.

An exhibition featuring nearly 50 canvases and sculptures by 30 French artists is currently running at the Spring Hanmo Gallery.

"Some of the artists here have won various awards in Europe," says Yang Hua, spokeswoman for the gallery. "I would recommend that you come on a sunny afternoon. The warm sunshine plus the romantic artworks will give you the illusion of being in Paris."

Yes, exactly. French artists are famous for their sensitivity. They are swift in technique and know how to capture the small details.

Alain Bennefoit who was born in 1937 in Paris is such an example. Female nudity has been his most-favored subject since 1965. The enchantment of female curves and their voluptuous bodies have evoked the artist's undying admiration.

Another highlight at the show are the works of Raymond Verani, a veteran French sculptor with a series of awards under his belt including the Rambouillet Rosny.

Although he has brought only two of his sculptures to Shanghai, each amazes the eye with the profundity of its meaning.

For example, one depicts a couple sitting on a bench with their heads buried on their chests. The sculpture provokes a sudden attachment in the viewer's heart. This is a small world shared only by the two though no clue as to age or occupation can be told from the sculpture. Verani moves smartly between the real and the abstract, leaving lots of room for the viewer's own imagination to work.

Usually it's a difficult task for sculptors when it comes to "animals." But Verani again successfully solves the problem through the other piece displayed at the exhibition. It is in the shape of a rooster and it captures the fowl's main characteristics but in a playful and humorous way.

"Compared with the astronomical prices charged by some Chinese artists, these art pieces are reasonably priced," Yang says. "For instance, Verani's sculpture is priced at 10,000 yuan (US$1,234) but his ideas and technique are superior to some Chinese sculptors."

Perhaps the fever for things French is not only good for art in Shanghai but may bring some sanity to the current over-hyped art market as well.

Date: through December 6, 10am-7pm
Address: Bldg 5, 209 Nanchang Rd
Tel: 6473-7578

(Eastday.com December 2, 2005)