Where to Find the London 'Zodiac Heads' of Vanished Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei
During a morning wander through the cobblestone expanse that is Somerset House's courtyard last week, we happened across an unusual mise-en-scène: 12 gigantic, still wrapped sculptures that, upon closer examination, were of animal heads. A strange sight for the opulent London institution, which is known more for its ties to the fashion industry than hosting ominous-looking artwork.
A second later, it clicked: "Ah. Ai Weiwei." Followers of contemporary art may be familiar with controversy-generating Weiwei, designer of the "Birds' Nest" stadium for the Beijing Olympics and whose piece "Sunflower Seeds" recently finished its run at Tate Modern, is currently off the grid. As in, his whereabouts are currently unknown. Weiwei was detained over a month ago by Chinese authorities, who arrested him as he attempted to board a flight to Hong Kong. Nothing has been heard of Weiwei since, and art world luminaries in London and beyond stand in solidarity, demanding his release.
"Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads," which depicts the 12 animals of the zodiac and was modeled after sculptures once housed at an imperial retreat, is on display at Somerset House from May 12th through June 26th. London's Lisson Gallery will soon have their own Weiwei show on display, running May 13th through July 16th of this year. You can also spy the New York end of this exhibition in front of The Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue.
Visit Somerset House Online for more information on "Zodiac Heads" and, though it is currently dormant, you may want to keep an eye on the once avid-Twitterer's account for updates should he resurface.
[Photos: Heidi Atwal for Jaunted]
Comments (0)
Post a CommentReturn to » Where to Find the London 'Zodiac Heads' of Vanished Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei
Join the conversation!