DaWo presents Scenes of Shanghai, an exhibition of original works by Chinese artist Li Kunwu, from 19 November to 11 December 2026 in an intimate gallery space specially created for the exhibition on the 20th floor at 567 Weihai Road in Jing’an, Shanghai.
The exhibition marks a new chapter in a collaboration developed over several years. Known internationally for the autobiographical graphic novel A Chinese Life, created with writer Philippe Ôtié, Li brings his eye for human detail and visual storytelling to the city’s changing streets and neighborhoods.
The exhibition explores Shanghai through the people and places that give it character: lane houses, busy streets, temple gatherings and life along the river. Expressive ink lines and washes convey both the scale of the city and the small gestures of daily life. Rooted in close observation of local life, the works also evoke shared experiences of family, work, memory and social change.
“Life is my teacher, and society is my classroom,” Li has said of his approach.
The exhibition renews a collaboration between DaWo and Li that has developed over several years. Writing in 2021 during Li’s solo exhibition In the Land of Memory at ArtCN gallery, Philippe Snel recalled discovering Li’s books before their meeting and described how stories rooted in China, and especially Kunming, can resonate internationally. Scenes of Shanghai brings that shared interest in art and cultural exchange into a new gallery setting.
Two evening events accompany the exhibition. A presentation on Li’s life and art, followed by exhibition viewing, takes place on 18 November, from 18:30 to 21:30, with advance registration required. A private opening reception, with the artist in attendance, follows on 19 November at the same time. Attendance at the reception is by invitation only.
Admission to the exhibition is free. It is open daily from 13:00 to 18:30. Public visits during these hours require no reservation; private viewings outside opening hours are available by reservation.
About Li Kunwu
Li Kunwu was born in Kunming, Yunnan, in 1955. A self-taught painter, illustrator and graphic novelist, he is known internationally for A Chinese Life, created with writer Philippe Ôtié. His work connects personal experience with social history through a sustained attention to ordinary lives. His exhibition history includes the Musée Cernuschi in Paris in 2015 and Espace Culturel ICICLE in Paris in 2024.
About DaWo
DaWo is a Shanghai-based law firm serving Chinese and international clients. The firm’s relationship with Li Kunwu has developed over several years and includes the presentation of his drawings on its website; this exhibition marks a new chapter in that collaboration. DaWo supports cultural exchange between China and Europe.
Exhibition information
Title: Scenes of Shanghai
Artist Li Kunwu
Organized by: DaWo
Dates: 19 November to 11 December 2026
Venue: Gallery space specially created for the exhibition, 20th Floor, 567 Weihai Road, Jing’an,
Shanghai
Public opening: Daily, 13:00–18:30; free admission; no reservation required during these hours
Private viewings: Outside opening hours, by reservation
Artist presentation and exhibition viewing 18 November 2026, 18:30–21:30; advance
registration required
Private opening reception with the artist 19 November 2026, 18:30–21:30; invitation only
Exhibition information www.dawo-lf.com/likunwu/
18 November registration https://app.glueup.cn/event/51809/