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."
i like how the bedframe was embedded into the brickwork!
ReplyDeleteWell, 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!
ReplyDeleteLet it not be said that the pack of lunatics in the Chinese government are reasonable people, after all.
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
ReplyDeleteLovely brickwork!
ReplyDeleteAh ben c'est sûr que la liberté d'expression en Chine...
ReplyDeleteNot what I'd call art though amazing bedframe they saved and good protest over the studio being distroyed
ReplyDeleteGood that at least some of it has been saved and reconstructed.
ReplyDeleteHis work is always amazing!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing piece of work.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteWonderful how art and rubbish hold hands to create.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion! I have linked my post today to Rubbish Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI agree with EG CameraGirl. See what happens in France where a fascist FN got 25%. We should be aware everywhere !
ReplyDeleteThis time I have to agree with the Chinese government...
ReplyDeleteI like the bed frame and the brick - just not necessarily together. :)
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Rubbish Tuesday,
~Lindy
Putting rubbish to good use. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeletethat is really neat!
ReplyDeleteWow, a great combination of ornate and rough. I really like the old bricks. Excellent post! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDelete