Souvenir from Shaghai


Here is another piece that I especially liked from the Ai Weiwei exhibit in Martin Gropius Bau. Apparently Weiwei was invited to build an art studio in Shanghai. In a cruel twist of fate, the government then destroyed the studio without giving the artist any reason as to why.


A closer look at the stamping details on some of the bricks that were saved. For more "rubbish" take a look at Rubbish Tuesday. Here is some additional information on the work from the sign:

"Souvenir from Shanghai: 2012, Concrete and brick rubble from Ai Weiwei's destroyed Shanghai studio,  rosewood bedframe from Qing dynasty
In mid-January, demolition of the building started without warning. The work Souvenir from Shanghai is made from material from the site."


20 comments:

  1. i like how the bedframe was embedded into the brickwork!

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  2. Well, Hal, I agree that it might behoove us to be aware and up on what the newest artists are doing these days, but Mr. Weiwei's work really leaves me cold. I can't find anything to like about it. That's probably just me, though. I'm pretty old and set in my ways, you know! :) One lesson learned here, is don't trust the Chinese government!

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  3. Let it not be said that the pack of lunatics in the Chinese government are reasonable people, after all.

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  4. That which the government would like to destroy and hide, mixed with what it wants to preserve and show off. But it's all part of the same thing.

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  5. Ah ben c'est sûr que la liberté d'expression en Chine...

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  6. Not what I'd call art though amazing bedframe they saved and good protest over the studio being distroyed

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  7. Good that at least some of it has been saved and reconstructed.

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  8. His work is always amazing!

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  9. An amazing piece of work.

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  10. I'm glad he was able to salvage some of the materials. After reading some of the other comments, I want to add that the Chinese government is not the only one people shouldn't trust. Just sayin.

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  11. Wonderful how art and rubbish hold hands to create.

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  12. I just love those old bricks. It's a shame his studio was destroyed like that, especially with no reason. I'm glad something was saved at least. That bed frame is absolutely gorgeous!

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  13. Thanks for the suggestion! I have linked my post today to Rubbish Tuesday.

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  14. I agree with EG CameraGirl. See what happens in France where a fascist FN got 25%. We should be aware everywhere !

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  15. This time I have to agree with the Chinese government...

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  16. I like the bed frame and the brick - just not necessarily together. :)

    Visiting from Rubbish Tuesday,
    ~Lindy

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  17. Putting rubbish to good use. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  18. Wow, a great combination of ornate and rough. I really like the old bricks. Excellent post! Thanks for linking up!

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