Ai Wei Wei's Zodiac heads collection, has received praise from artists and enthusiasts around the world. But what makes it so special? Why should we care about him, let alone his work- what is the importance?
The Zodiac heads series essentially explores the gap between chinese history and contemporary; exploring a highly traditional chinese symbol of heritage, cosmos and culture in a relatively contemporary setting, showcasing the 12 member of the chinese Zodiac: the Dog, Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Pig, Rabbit, Monkey, Horse, Ram, Rat, Ox and Rooster.
The fact that the Zodiac heads themselves are based on Italian designs from the 18th Century, makes them almost "reborn" within the context of chinese 21st century- nothing new is necessarily been invented but it is their presentation which remains poignant. The touring of the heads is also important; they have been scheduled to be showcased in a range of historic as well as contemporary settings around the world, each one helping to shape the interpretation of the pieces as many of the locations compliment the heads and in some ways harmonise with their traditional appearance yet contemporary presentation as they sit on their rustic bronze columns, whilst others contrast with them- making them seem out of place, which can also act as a metaphor for Weiwei's own unstable political viewing in the chinese world.
When one first comes across the heads, it remains difficult to see he significance of them: I for one felt unconvinced as their importance, physically or otherwise. However, when one takes into account the story of the heads; that many were lost and the collection was incomplete, it almost becomes deduce-able that Weiwei's restoration of the heads to its complete 12, was a salvaging of something which although a physical representation of something dear to chinese tradition, was none the less important and dear to his heart- it may be even suggestible that the restoration of the 12 heads as a metaphor for the redemption and restoration of the current corrupt and "incomplete" government of china which appears to be lacking justice and equality, which possibly in the near future will be "complete".
So why should you go and visit the Wei Wei "Zodiac Heads" showcased at London, Somerset House? It remains not only one of the biggest and easiest ways in which you can support a passionate, hardworking ambassador for current affairs & injustice in China & modern art while he is being detained for merely attempting the pierce the veil in which the chinese government insist on covering the bation with, but also a good opportunity to see the Zodiac heads as they juxtapose with Somerset House's Neo Classical facade; with the 18th century english architecture as well as the Italian designed yet chinese owned heads, contrast each other in such a unique and original way. It truly is a once in a lifetime event which cant be missed.
Somerset House Courtyard: 12th May- 30th June
Wei Wei's Detention
Wei Wei, well known for his outspoken approach to chinese suppression, was detained: primarily for his investigation in Chinese coverup for the earthquake in Sichuan in which many lives were lost due to badly built government buildings- something they refused to take responsibility for.
The biggest names in art and media have campaigned for his release, such as Dazed and Confused magazine, who published an interview with him regardless of his detention and put a portrait of his face of the front cover (prior to him being beaten into a cerebral heammorage by chinese police) , The Tate modern who have posted: "Release Wei Wei on the side of the prolific and iconic building", Anish Kapoor who says that the worlds galleries and museums should close for a day in protest and that the world must unite against "barbaric" China.
The biggest names in art and media have campaigned for his release, such as Dazed and Confused magazine, who published an interview with him regardless of his detention and put a portrait of his face of the front cover (prior to him being beaten into a cerebral heammorage by chinese police) , The Tate modern who have posted: "Release Wei Wei on the side of the prolific and iconic building", Anish Kapoor who says that the worlds galleries and museums should close for a day in protest and that the world must unite against "barbaric" China.
The Heads themselves
Weiwei's zodiac heads explores the animals of the chinese Zodiac, in presenting these bronze sculptures, designed in the 18th century, as what he calls "ready mades"- in many ways, he is mixing the contemporary with the traditional and the modern.
Somerset House: A History
Somerset House is a stones throw from London's prolific strand, and is home to a number of art, photography and cinematic exhibits. Designed by Sir William Chambers on the north bank of the thames, back in the 18th Century, evolved from a Royal residence to Government building over the course of 200 years.
Somerset House has been home to events such as World Photo Awards, Film 4 Summer Screen and London Fashion Week, amongst many others
The closest train stations in getting to somerset house are Temple/ Embankment, via the Circle line/District Line on the underground, Waterloo via Bakerloo/Northern Line/Jubilee Lane/National Rail and Charing Cross via Northern line/National Rail.
Buses: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176 .
Somerset House has been home to events such as World Photo Awards, Film 4 Summer Screen and London Fashion Week, amongst many others
The closest train stations in getting to somerset house are Temple/ Embankment, via the Circle line/District Line on the underground, Waterloo via Bakerloo/Northern Line/Jubilee Lane/National Rail and Charing Cross via Northern line/National Rail.
Buses: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 77a, 91 and 176 .
Ai Wei Wei, 54 year old photographer, artist and social critic was born into a life & childhood of politics Art, fight for change and justice instilled in him from an early age. His parents, outspoken poets of that era, encouraged his artistic side; a side which flourished as he moved from his home nation of china at 24 to the likes of the USA where his career's foundation was laid.
Since that inception, Weiwei has been able to suprise, shock an astound the world with his photography, pieces of art, sculptures and instillations as he tries to explore the realms of interaction and perceptions within what we know as art. Remaining valiant and outspoken within his work hasn't come at an easy cost, and he is often at scrutiny or in this current case, actual detention from the suppressive chinese government, more due to his Political passions if anything. The Chinese government have accused him of allegedly "spreading pornography over the internet"- which is yet to be debated and is nonethe less a coverup for his outspoken political views.
His work, "zodiac heads" is currently being exhibited at Londons famous Somerset House; home to everything profilic and art orientated within London, from 12th May 2011 to 30th June 2011
DM
Since that inception, Weiwei has been able to suprise, shock an astound the world with his photography, pieces of art, sculptures and instillations as he tries to explore the realms of interaction and perceptions within what we know as art. Remaining valiant and outspoken within his work hasn't come at an easy cost, and he is often at scrutiny or in this current case, actual detention from the suppressive chinese government, more due to his Political passions if anything. The Chinese government have accused him of allegedly "spreading pornography over the internet"- which is yet to be debated and is nonethe less a coverup for his outspoken political views.
His work, "zodiac heads" is currently being exhibited at Londons famous Somerset House; home to everything profilic and art orientated within London, from 12th May 2011 to 30th June 2011
DM
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