Jay Chou has stepped into a new role following his four recent sell-out concerts in Shanghai, as curator of an exhibition, Art Encounters with Jay, whichopened to the public on Oct 16.

The exhibition at a cultural space on Hengshan Road features work by 20 big contemporary art world names, including Anselm Kiefer, Ed Ruscha, Tracey Emin, Xu Bing, Zhang Enli and Wang Yuyang. Many of the pieces on display, such as Kiefer's Neo-expressionist painting and graffiti by Kaws, have influenced Chou's pop songs.

Apart from art, there's also an interactive area displaying items related to the celebrated singer where visitors can take photos, including a room replicating scenes from his music videos, clothes from his concerts and covers of popular albums.

The exhibition layout was designed by Wang Yuyang, who has an oil painting on display in the exhibition.

"My goal is to demystify art to make it enjoyable for all," says Chou, adding that curating is like embarking on a new journey, and that he fell in love with art at first sight.

Labeled the king of Chinese pop, the celebrated singer has been collecting for many years, and his home is filled with pieces bought from galleries or at auction houses. In 2019, the then 42-year-old was named by Artnews as one of their "50 Art Collectors to Watch", and it was reported that he had spent almost all of his earnings on art.

The exhibition is organized by WEF EEL ART, an institution focused on exhibitions by crossover artists. It will run until Jan 1.