Upcoming exhibition charts the evolution of gold's status

Gold is more than a precious metal which carries a heavy weight in the world economy. In the long history of human society, gold has been endowed with many social and cultural meanings, showcasing power, superiority and fortune.

Golden Flow, a contemporary art exhibition set to open at Beijing's Chao Art Center on Aug 8, will discuss the rich implications of gold as a product and a cultural symbol, and reflect on the issues emerging as a result of fast economic development and urbanization, such as oppression, the worship of power and the uneven distribution of resources and wealth.

The show, which will run until Sept 6, will include paintings, photos, installations, videos and performance works spanning more than a century and created by an international line-up of 35 artists.

Golden Flow is the themed exhibition of the Story section of this year's Beijing Contemporary Art Expo which will launch on Aug 27 at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center.