Capsule Shanghai’s Artful Rebellion Grows Roots in Unexpected Places

In Shanghai’s former French Concession, Capsule Gallery quietly rewrites the rules of the art world. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, founder Enrico Polato curates a space where emerging voices can develop outside the glare of the market’s latest obsession. Housed in a 1930s apartment, the gallery feels more like a living archive than a showroom—each solo exhibition is a chapter in an ongoing story, not a snapshot of passing taste. Polato’s approach is refreshingly long-term: he nurtures relationships with artists, many of whom have been with Capsule since its early days. The gallery’s intimate rooms mirror this philosophy, offering artists a stage that feels personal and lived-in. As Capsule’s roster grows, so does its reach—recent years have seen its artists showcased at major international fairs, from Singapore to Brussels. Now, with plans for a Venice outpost, Capsule’s blend of independence and risk-taking continues to ripple outward. In a world obsessed with the next big thing, Capsule proves that patience and conviction can be quietly radical. #ShanghaiArt #EmergingArtists #GalleryLife #Culture