Last year, the High Museum of Art sought to change that. From October to April, its "John Portman: Art and Architecture" exhibition honored the architect, developer and artist who has left an indelible imprint on the Atlanta skyline.

Now the same exhibition is introducing Chinese citizens to Mr. Portman, whose works in China continue to mirror and aid the country's economic rise.

On July 20, the exhibition began a two-month run in Shanghai, where John Portman and Associates launched its first Chinese development in 1980. The Shanghai Centre, a massive mixed-used complex with a central tower standing 35 stories high, became one of the first successful foreign developments in China's newly opened economy.

Since then, Portman has ...