Merry Xmas from Beijing

Wishing everyone out there a nice holiday! I am here in the dusty capital, trying to stay warm and busy. Right now in middle of research for the CCAA text I will write on art production but it is intensely frustrating since I want to observe things firsthand and because it is winter everything has slowed to a snail's pace. Called an artist yesterday and he simply said “今天不工作”or "I am not working today". not much to reply to that. Mostly everyone just tries to stay indoors, to avoid not only the cold but the horrible air. Exhibitions and projects are also on slo-mo, with most everyone focused on what is happening after Chinese New Year (Feb 7 this year) instead of before. Today the air is THICK out there and even though it is 9am it feels like 4pm according to the light. I was nearby the new luxury mall Shin Kong plaza yesterday and decided to stop by the food market to pick up some food...the store (oh and the food court!) is totally amazing: gorgeous (shrinkwrapped) produce, organic vegetables, pristine meat counter and prepared food section. For a minute I really felt I was in Whole Foods. they even sell 'marketplace' tote bags for your groceries. It was surreal, guess I have been spending too much time in my dingy local supermarket!