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Art Review magazine put Ai Weiwei as the most influential artist in the world. That makes sense, doesn’t it? Without knowing a thing about his work, or seeing what it looks like, his name nearly became household this year. In the BBC’s news, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said: “China has many artists who have sufficient ability. We feel that a selection that is based purely on a political bias and perspective has violated the objectives of the magazine.” That makes sense right? Influential art doesn’t have to signify anything that has to do with art itself. It’s the ability to use art as well. Although what Ai Weiwei will do with this influence or power? Or what it really means to have it, or not have it, we’ll see. But for now, he’s already in high demand as an artist anywhere and feels like he has no power at all. Does he? Probably not, but he can land an art show anywhere. That’s power enough. (BBC – Ai Weiwei)
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Are you yearning for some urning? (Coca-Cola Urn by Ai Weiwei) Do you live in New York City and have you been dying to see Artfarm upstate in Salt Point, N.Y., which was commissioned from HHF Architects and renowned Chinese artist/architect, Ai Weiwei, in 2006? Well, my carless and careless New Yorkers, I think you should heavily consider taking the daytrip planned by Museum of Chinese in America! It’s this Sunday! Sun, Jun 12 from 11am – 5pm Escape the city and explore ArtFarm in bucolic Hudson Valley. On Sunday, June 12, spend a leisurely afternoon at Artfarm with a guided tour of the galleries, enjoy a relaxing lunch in a rustic setting and meet new friends! About Artfarm Built as a storage facility and annex to Chambers Fine Art, Artfarm was commissioned from HHF Architects and renowned Chinese artist/architect, Ai Weiwei, whose latest work,”Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” was recently unveiled outside the Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. During the guided tour, participants will have the opportunity to view artworks by Ai Weiwei in the collection. Artfarm consists of three interconnected structures built on sloping land that houses storage space, offices and a gallery on the lowest level. Artfarm’s galleries house objects from Chambers Fine Art New York and from owner Christophe Mao‘s private collection. As described by the architects: “The outer shape is a consequence of the use of a pre-engineered and easy to assemble type of steel building, which often gets used for agricultural purposes in that area. With its abstract metallic appearance the structure becomes an equal member of a whole group of sculptures which are spread out in the landscape.” The severity of the steel structure contrasts not only with the gently rolling landscape but also with the exposed surface of the heavy insulation that is such an unexpected feature of the interior. The effectiveness of the building results from a series of contrasts, between the rustic setting and the minimal form as well as between the rigid light-reflecting exterior and the softly draped interior. For their design of ArtFarm, HHF Architects was awarded the Gold Medal for the annual “Best Architects 10” prize in 2009. Schedule: 11:00am Depart from MOCA 1:00pm Guided Tour of Artfarm 1:45pm Lunch/Outdoor Exploration 3:00pm Depart 5:00pm Arrive at MOCA Tickets: $45 per MOCA member; $60 per non-member guest. Ticket price includes transportation to and from Artfarm by private coach, a guided tour and boxed lunch. Advance registration REQUIRED at programs@mocanyc.org
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You know them from the placemats at Chinese restaurants. Right to left: pig, dog, rooster and half a monkey. Over Memorial Day I got a chance to swing by and see Ai Weiwei’s sculpture exhibit at the Plaza Hotel at the southeast corner of Central Park. Toughest chicken ever! Right to left: rooster, monkey, sheep, horse and snake. The odd thing is that there isn’t a sign describing the heads sitting in the Pulitzer Fountain. There isn’t even a sign that notes the name of the artist or the title of the work (“Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads“). Maybe it was meant to echo China’s silencing of Ai Weiwei via jail. The rabbit is in a rather precarious spot. Right to left: dragon, rabbit, tiger and ox. What is the meaning behind the art itself? Surely it echos the bronze zodiac heads of a famous ancient water clock that were looted from China by British and French forces in the Opium War. It may also be a comment on capital punishment in China (the highest in the world on an annual basis, though not on a per-capita basis). The first time I saw the tiger, I thought it was a bear! Right to left: tiger, ox and rat. Or perhaps the 12 animals represent the mercurial nature and hypocrisy of the Communist Party of China, and the different masks it wears year-to-year, day-to-day, depending on whom it is addressing and what it ultimately wants. I’m just saying. Los Angelenos: Don’t be bummed you’re not in New York City. The exhibit is coming to LACMA in September!
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