Art Attack: Sotheby's Predicts Economic Crashes, Art @ROOM Beijing, Rhapsody in Blue, and Bocelli vs. Beyonce

In lieu of all the things that aren't being said about art this week on our blog, we'll fill you in instead on: Sotheby's auctions predicting economic crashes, Youku continuing to gather steam, and of course all the upcoming events this week, including an exhibit opening, yet another left-handed pianist (this one's famous for his standout recording featured in Woody Allen's Manhattan) and the always beloved Carmen.

A recent article in The Atlantic draws a scarily convincing connection between surges in art markets and subsequent economic crashes. According to the article, the explosion of the Chinese art market - which is more and more dominated by wealthy Chinese collectors and is evidenced by last week's record-breaking sales of Zhang Xiaogang's triptych at the Ullens' much-anticipated Sotheby's sale - is eerily reminiscent of similar surges prior to the Japanese crash of 1987 and the recent crash in 2007. I'm no economist, so I can't speak for the accuracy of these predictions, but you can come to your own conclusions. And make sure to check out that line graph. Nothing better than a good, doomsaying line graph.

Meanwhile, we've mentioned this before, but now BusinessWeek is catching on: Their recent article speculates on Youku's continued growth as a provider of legitimate online content. Currently on show at the Youku pay-to-watch site are art film Buddha Mountain and rom-com Somebody to Love (both RMB 5). Watch as the competition heats up between Youku, Tudou, and Baidu video site Qiyi to provide us with more movies and TV shows legally.

Now, on to the happenings:

Art Exhibit:

Artist Tie Ying strives for interesting social commentary through his conceptual photography. His latest works will be displayed at +1 Space in the Pingod Community near the Today Art Museum starting Sunday, April 10. Prior to the official opening, the artist's works will be previewed at ROOM Beijing as part of the restaurant's new Artist Projects, a program which aims to highlight contemporary art in a more accessible setting. Keep an eye out for an artist interview on the Beijinger blog and more details about his work.

Stage:

Pianist Gary Graffman is best known for his famous recording of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", featured in Woody Allen's film, Manhattan. He later developed an injury in his right hand which triggered the same focal dystonia that ailed Leon Fleisher. Now, Graffman is recovered and will be performing in Beijing on Friday, April 15, at the NCPA. RMB 180-880. 7.30pm.

Here's an animated take on the Rhapsody:

And last but not least, the irresistible Carmen lights up the NCPA stage starting tomorrow night (April 9) and running until Friday, April 15. RMB 160-880. 7.30pm.

Hailed as one of the most popular operas in the world, its well-known melodies have been peppered through pop culture, commercials, cartoons and the like. As a parting shot, here's some Carmen (and a "hip hopera" take on Bizet's original) performed by one of the world's greatest tenors and booty-shakers, respectively. In a world-class Carmen-off, are you Team Bocelli or Team Beyonce?

Bocelli:

Beyonce: