SHANGHAI.- The distinguished jury panel of the Chinese Art Prize today announced the Gold and Silver Prize awardees of the 2008 Chinese Art Prize, a gala event at Art Scene Warehouse, Shanghai.

The winners: Min Xiaofang (Gold) and Kang Yongfeng (Silver). The Viewers' Choice Prize went to Song Yongjun.

"In such an uncertain economic climate, endeavors such as the Chinese Art Prize take on even greater significance as committed promoters of young, emerging artists, as well as springboards for the careers of the hot young artists of tomorrow," said Gerard Goodrow, CAP 2008 Jury President.

In 2008 more than 1,000 emerging Chinese artists applied for the CAP. The jury narrowed the field to 25 finalists. The 25 finalists' paintings are being exhibited at Art Scene Warehouse through January 20, 2009.

Gold Prize winner Min Xiaofang's renders two meter-tall paintings of children's homework - mathematics, grammar, English - all graded and corrected in red ink. 10cm-wide patches of white, which looks like correction fluid, add to the authentic appearance of the paintings. In certain pieces, hints of text on the reverse side of the original notebook pages are visible. Female artist Min's work inspires viewers to ponder the content and meaning of what is being taught to children as if being viewed under a microscope.

CAP Silver Prize winner Kang Yongfeng paints twisted, mangled vehicles, with extremely thick chunks of metalwork-looking paint protruding off the canvas. Kang's brushstrokes are so intertwined that the pieces appear to be almost abstract when viewed at close proximity.

The top 25 artists' portfolios can be viewed online at: http://www.ChineseArtPrize.com.

What Makes the Chinese Art Prize Unique?

1) Only annual art prize that focuses on young, emerging Chinese painters.

2) Members of the CAP jury are distinguished art insiders (see below).

3) CAP has a high volume of applicants - over 1000 in 2008.

4) The top cash prize, 66,000 CNY [9650 USD], for any art competition in China.

5) No entry or hidden fees for artists to participate and no connections necessary.

CAP 2008 jury includes: Gerard Goodrow (Director, Phillips de Pury, Germany; former Director, Art Cologne), Daniela Bousso (Director, Paco das Artes, Brazil), Ami Barak (Curator, "Art for the World," Shanghai World Expo 2010; Curator, Art Forum Berlin 2007), Linel Rebenchuk (Director, Toronto International Art Fair), Du Xinjian (contemporary Chinese artist and former professor at Central Academy of Fine Arts), Alexandra Seno (Writer).