The Chinese web version of Artforum is so strange that I often wonder whether anybody knows why it exists. We all know that Artforum does not have any international paper version, not a Chinese one either. But what does it even mean to have an official Chinese Web version? Why not French, German, Italian, or even British version for all I care?

Especially when,

a, Artforum is now filled with Chinese gallery ads. Can’t help thinking it’s a strange scheme of some sort, you know what i mean.

b, What’s even stranger is that artforum.com.cn is synched up (even with photos!) with big name (or any name who has a blog) Chinese artists’ personal blogs, come even with a Google Calendar of exhibition openings. Nothing against going all Web 2.0, but do I really want to know about Mr. Yan Jun avoiding the Olympics losing his cellphone in Beijing or Ms. Huang Bingyi missing her lover in Paris, from a link at artforum.com.cn?

c, Considering the blogs are the only fresh content in the Chinese version, I can’t help wondering if Artforum pays the artists for their blogs?

d, Or, do they even know about it?

e, It even has an “English corner”.

Letter to chinese artists: better paint some more Mr. Mao and sell them for a million a piece now. The advantage coming from speculations will eventually equal out, or so I predict anyway. Next speculation/Artforum web version? I vote for Turkey.

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