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
