Said to be the world's most secret art gallery, No Man's Pop-Up Art Gallery appeared Friday in Shanghai's Cool Docks, its location revealed to fans of the nomadic art showcase via mailing list just a few days before it opened.

The exhibition is made up of mixed media works by 20 young artists from eight different countries. Before coming to Shanghai, the gallery organized similar pop-ups in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Mumbai, Paris and Copenhagen.\

Every few months, Emmelie Koster, the founder and curator of the gallery, takes the show to a new city in a different country, where she finds talented local young artists who she adds to the gallery's roster.

Koster said that organizing the galleries allows her to get a real sense of the cultures of the countries she covers. "Working in another country gives an experience that reaches so much further than that of being a tourist," she said.

"I discover how things work, or what does not work. It can be frustrating when things get lost in translation or you don't understand the cultural codes, but mostly it's a great experience and you're bound to learn so much," she added.

The project's name refers to "the unoccupied territory where no one dares to go," according to Koster. Its main objective is to give unestablished young artists exposure on the international stage.

"Hardly any gallery will take the risk of transporting art across borders when the artist has no guaranteed sales," said Koster.

"However, we travel the world with only young 'risky' artists in our gallery, yet we've managed to keep our heads above water for more than two years now.

"It would be fantastic if we can set an example for art galleries to not be afraid, look beyond their local scenes, and give young artists from all over the world a chance," she added.

Koster said that the biggest challenge for her working in Shanghai was the language barrier. "Although I am very proud of my taxi-Chinese, the general work instructions, negotiations and limitations are difficult to convey without speaking the language. Luckily I have three Chinese-speaking team members who have been amazing help."

The Shanghai exhibition includes five artists from Shanghai: Li Aixia, Caucasso Lee Jun, Hu Xingyi, Zhang Jifeng and Nini Sum.

"They are all fantastic artists. I am very happy with the selection and I'm looking forward to showing their work in Europe as well. I believe they have a great future ahead of them," she said.

Koster began the gallery by accident. She started painting during her law studies, going so far as to set up a website for a fictitious gallery, with the sole purpose of selling her art. However, while poor sales tempered her dreams, she was approached by other artists who liked her platform. They asked her to represent them, and No Man's Pop-Up Art Gallery was born.

Today, Koster represents 25 artists from eight different countries.

"The art world can seem like a closed circle, and for many young artists that is discouraging," said Koster. "It's important for an artist's motivation to know their work is seen and that there is someone taking care of the business side of showing art."

Koster, who is only 26, finds it easy to communicate with young artists and enjoys the dynamic of working with them.

"We come from the same generation that doesn't mind taking action and risking failure. I love working like that," she said.

The gallery stays open for one week only, until May 26, before it moves to Cape Town, South Africa.

Date: Until May 26, 2 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Friday), midday to 8 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Venue: Strictly Designers United

Address: 2/F, Bldg 3, 601 Waima Road

外马路601号3号库2楼

Admission: Free

E-mail to info@nomansart.com for details