Since its creation in 1994, the Shanghai Biennale has become China's first and foremost international exhibition for contemporary art. To continue its commitment to contemporary artistic practice, the theme of the 2004 Shanghai Biennale, Ying Xiang Sheng Cun, 'Techniques of the Visible', focuses on the close relationship between art, science, and technology, in particular how art has revealed the interdependent social and political forces that produce and subject technology and humanity. Taken from the ancient Chinese philosophy of 'ying xiang', the concept emerges from an interest in the visual products of modern technology that retain critical historical and emotive references. 'Ying Xiang Sheng Cun' suggests that artistic practice engaging with 'technology' is inherently placing itself within a historical continuum, where cultural metaphor becomes critical to its understanding. To emphasize the global commitment of the exhibition, the 2004 Shanghai Biennale's Curators are Xu Jiang, President of the China Academy of Art (China); Zheng Shengtian, Independent Curator (Canada); Sebastian Lopez, Director of the Gate Foundation (Netherlands), and Zhang Qing, Director of Shanghai Biennale's Office (China). Bringing film, photography, video, installation and performance together, the curators will focus on the diversity of contemporary practices from Asia, South America, Africa, Europe and North America. The Biennale will highlight the crucial relations that exist between contemporary art and history, revealing the interconnected and interdependent nature of art and technology. Shanghai Biennale will also showcase contemporary media including shadow plays, dances, paintings, sculptures, photographs, interactive technologies, videos,digital art and performances. A symposium will also be held with the participation of contemporary artist, curators and theorists.Besides, city wide activities will take place in various locations including cinemas and the main city square. Large exhibitions such as the ones organized by Shanghai Biennale provide not only an important occasion to showcase of contemporary art production, but also forums where artists can meet, challenge their own works and expand their experiences. Besides, the Biennale offers the opportunity of a truly international exchange of ideas; while bringing together artists, curators, writers, theorists and art supporters from around the world, the Biennale has become a critical space of dialogue within an increasingly global art market. The Shanghai Biennale existence highlights the increasingly importantance role of artistic production in the Asia-Pacific region.