Visiting Ai Weiwei's Exhibit - "According to What?"
This past Monday, on Presidents' Day, I decided to take the train from Penn Station in New York City to Union Station in Washington DC with a few friends. The reason for the trip was to visit the Ai Weiwei exhibit at the The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden next to the National Mall. Ai Weiwei is, of course, one of the most important figures in the Chinese world of contemporary art and architecture. Ai is also a political activist who speaks openly about the Chinese Government's stance on democracy and human rights. A couple of years ago, he was arrested in Beijing and was held for more than two months without any official charges made. Sadly, Ai was unable to attend the opening of his latest exhibit because his passport is being held by the Chinese authorities, as part of his ongoing legal troubles. I have always been a big fan of Ai's art and you may recall a blog I posted about his outdoor exhibit in Manhattan's Central Park called "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads." Please enjoy my photos taken at the Hirshhorn Museum and please click here to revisit the Central Park blog, which also includes photos of when I visited Ai Weiwei at his inspirational studio while traveling in Beijing in 2007. To watch a great Frontline PBS documentary about Ai Weiwei, click here.
1 On Presidents' Day, we arrived at Washington DC's Union Station around 10:30 in the morning. Opened in 1907, Union Station boasts a magnificent arched ceiling in the Beaux-Arts style of white granite decorated with gold leaf.
2 The Ai Weiwei exhibit, "According to What?" runs through February 24th at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which was designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft and is part of the Smithsonian Institution.
3 This piece is Forever, 2003 - 42 bicycles. Ai Weiwei dismantled 42 Forever brand bicycles and reassembled them into an interconnected circular form. With rapid modernization, swarms of bicycles are vanishing from city streets, giving the name Forever an ironic ring.
4 This is Snake Ceiling, 2009 - Backpacks. Approximately 90,000 people were killed in the May 12, 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Many school buildings collapsed, killing many children and leaving their backpacks scattered across the quake areas.
5 This work, hanging from the ceiling and resembling a giant snake, is formed from commonly used student backpacks in various sizes (representing children from elementary school through junior high) laid out as a requiem for the souls of those who died in the disaster.
6 There were many Weiwei-isms in the exhibit, like this one: The world is changing. This is a fact. Artists work hard hoping to change it according to their own aspirations.
7 Table with Two Legs on the Wall, 2008 - Wooden table from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) - Ai first began working on this series of objects in 1997, using furniture which was made without nails and held together solely by traditional joinery techniques.
8 Grapes, 2010 - 40 antique wooden stools - There are numerous variations in this series, however, all are based on the idea of disassembling the furniture and reassembling it in ways that transform its meaning and obscure its function, focusing on the artisanship and elegant simplicity of the original furniture's design.
9 This is Map of China, 2008 - Tieli wood (iron wood) from dismantled temples of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) temples. The work can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
10 As a map of China, it can be understood as symbolizing the political unity of a country made up of many different cultural and historical factors. The monumental scale of the work suggests the long history of the Chinese nation.
11 China Log, 2005 - Tieli wood (iron wood) - This sculpture is made of wood from eight pillars salvaged from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) temples and was assembled using traditional Chinese joinery techniques. Again, an outline of China is seen at the cross-section.
12 Satoko Onishi, one of my traveling companions, was fascinated by this exhibit.
13 If we push the boundaries of craftsmanship and artisanship, we see that they are not just mechanical skills but are actually an exploration of the very nature of the materials they employ, a challenging, a questioning of wood or stone materials. This changes our perspective.
14 Untitled - Huali wood - Ai has created several works using this form. These sculptures, assembled without nails using traditional joinery techniques, are truncated icosahedrons, a shape similar to the surface pattern on a soccer ball.
15 A name is the first and final marker of individual rights, one fixed part of the ever-changing human world. A name is the most basic characteristic of our human rights: no matter how poor or how rich, all living people have a name, and it is endowed with good wishes, the expectant blessings of kindness and virtue.
16 This photograph is called Study of Perspective: The White House, 1995.
17 Ai Weiwei in the elevator when taken into custody by the police, 2009 - Ai took the photo and Tweeted it as he was being arrested. Although China has many restrictions regarding the internet, Ai spends a great deal of time on it.
18 Marble Helmet, 2010 - Marble
19 Wenchuan Steel Rebar, 2008-12 - Steel rebar (40 tons) - In this work, Wi uses rebar recovered from the rubble of collapsed schoolhouses in Sichuan following the 2008 earthquake.
20 The work serves as a reminder of the repercussions of the earthquake and expresses the artist's concern over society's ability to start afresh "almost as if nothing had happened."
21 The orderly arrangement of rebar evokes a Minimalist artistic aesthetic, but the large divide in the piece is reminiscent of both a ground fissure and of a gulf between values.
22 This is a massive physical work, designed to remind audience of the individual in danger of being forgotten.
23 Extending a hand to those in trouble, rescuing the dying, and helping the injured is a form of humanitarianism, unrelated to love of country or people. Do not demean the value of life; it commands a broader, more equal dignity.
24 In He Xie, 2010 - 3,000 porcelain crabs, a new work, Ai metaphorically represents the restriction of individual expression and free speech in Chinese society.
25 He xie literally means "river crab," but it is also a homophone for the word meaning "harmonious," which is used in the Chinese Communist Party slogan "the realization of a harmonious society." On the internet, it has become a term referring to online censorship and the removal of antiestablishment views and information.
26 In Nov. 2010, responding to the imminent demolition of his newly constructed studio in Shanghai, Ai called for support via Twitter and invited guests to a feast of 10,000 river crabs in protest of the government's control of information. Ai was placed under house arrest because of this.
27 Bowls of Pearls, 2006 - This is one of a pair of porcelain bowls and freshwater pearls, measuring about 15x40-inches or 38x98-cm - quite beautiful!
28 Colored Vases, 2007-10 - This series consists of Han Dynasty (206BCE-220CE) vases dipped in industrial paints, covering original surfaces. Changed like this, the vases force viewers to consider questions of authenticity and the value and meaning of an original artwork.
29 On the back wall - Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, 1995/2009 - Dropping this urn to the floor and thus destroying 2,000 years of cultural tradition and legacy expresses the notion that new ideas and values are produced through iconoclasm.
30 A historical property has morals and ethics of the society that created it and it can be revived. What I mean is that we can discover new possibilities from the process of dismantling, transforming, and recreating.
31 Coca-Cola Vase, 2007 - Vase from the Neolithic age (5000-3000 BCE) and paint - In this series, Ai has inscribed the Coca-Cola logo on pottery jars he found in antique markets, blending contemporary design and branding with ancient art.
32 Moon Chest, 2008 - 7 chests in huali wood (Chinese quince), a precious and highly desirable wood. In each, the artist has incised four circular openings that transform these objects from functional pieces into pure artwork.
33 The 81 chests in the series, 7 of which are on view in this exhibition, are each unique as the precise placement of the holes varies. Never-the-less, the upper and lower openings always align.
34 Looking through the holes, one can glimpse every phase of the moon.
35 Outdoors is Ai Weiwei's monumental work, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. The twelve bronze animal heads representing the signs of the Chinese zodiac, each of which stand approximately ten feet high, were displayed around the perimeter of the fountain in the Museum’s central plaza.
36 Cheerful, quick-witted, and popular, the Horse enjoys a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and often has an active romantic life.
37 Quiet and introverted, the Ox is steadfast, dependable, and a born leader. Those born in Ox years are often good with their hands, and may be outstanding surgeons.
38 Those born in the Year of the Rooster are profound thinkers. Talented and capable, they can also be eccentric and may have difficulties in their relationships with others.
39 Tigers are powerful, passionate, and daring. They are self-confident leaders, but can be short-tempered and rebellious. Tigers are often seductive, and are capable of intense romantic attachments.
40 Compassionate and wise, the Ram often prefers to be alone, free to contemplate at his or her leisure. The Ram can be highly creative, with innate natural elegance. At times shy or pessimistic, Rams can also be deeply religious.
41 Those born under the sign of the Rat are charming, clever, and have excellent taste. They are ambitious, hardworking perfectionists and are often wealthy and successful. Family is important to Rats and they are generous and supportive to the people they love.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha,
This was just wonderful to see! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | February 21st, 2013 at 12:34 am
Let's pray that this man's woes are soon behind him.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | February 21st, 2013 at 3:33 am
Hi Martha,
What a fascinating collection. I can only imagine how moved you must have been to see it in person. Amazing. Thank you for sharing. I must go back and look at each picture again
Posted by: Karen Tracy | February 21st, 2013 at 6:11 am
The Chinese government needs to let this incredibly gifted man free. Enough is enough already. The more exposure Ai gets the better. Thank you for sharing this wonderful display of his work, Martha.
Posted by: Julie | February 21st, 2013 at 6:54 am
Hi,
My favorite work is the bowl of pearls. It is quite beautiful and peaceful to look at. Ai Weiwei's story needs to be told around the world. Featuring his work on your blog helps to tell his story and brings awareness to his plight and mission to promote democracy and protect human rights in China. Ai is fighting an upward battle, almost impossible to win, against the Chinese government. But it's doable especially if the young people of China get behind him. Chinese Millennials are the future leaders of their country. If Ai can grab their hearts and minds with his beautiful work, it's one way to spread his word. Thanks for sharing your visit to Washington DC. It is very fitting you went to see "According to What?" on President's Day. And very important that you did. You are such a special lady.
xo
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Gordon-Miller | February 21st, 2013 at 8:14 am
What a fascinating and thought provoking exhibit you attended at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Martha. Ai WeiWei is an inspiration and a voice for the oppressed people of China.
Posted by: Cindy F | February 21st, 2013 at 8:17 am
Thanx for wonderful pix at Hirshorm and you look beautiful. Must have been a great time traveling from Penn to Union Station. The circle of animal heads of Zodiac seems familiar, haven't you had pictures of it before? I am going to learn more of Ei Weiwei.
Posted by: ann | February 21st, 2013 at 8:39 am
Hi Martha, Thanks for sharing such a fantastic blog about Ai Weiwei again! It was so much fun to view the previous blog again with Ai Weiwei in it on July 8, 2011! You and your friends must have had a marvelous time touring Ai's Exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC! It sure would have been nice to have him there and sure hope he has a better life real soon! These photos that you took are once again superior and love all of your comments, too! You look great in photo #3 and I love what you are wearing! Every one of his creations in this exhibit are outstanding! Satako Onishi sure looks happy to be there in photo #12! Photo #16 is an unusual one! Was fun to see his Animals/lZodiac Heads again and they are fabulous! Thanks for another inspiring blog, Martha! Sure was great to see you on The Today Show at 2 different times yesterday and I loved it all! Are you in Miami right now? Hope you have a great time no matter where you are! Francesca sure looks better now that she is on The Daily Wag again and Sharkey does a great job taking care of her!! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 21st, 2013 at 9:20 am
Hi Martha,
Thanks for your pictures and I hope Ai will soon get his passport back. It's a bit difficult for us to imagine the opposition he faces when speaking his mind but let's hope that one day he can express his opinions freely. He is such a gifted artist and his pieces show that he cares about people. I wish him the best and I think you have done him an honor by visiting his exhibition. He will appreciate that. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 21st, 2013 at 9:25 am
As an archaeologist, it was difficult for me to see the "dropped jar" and painted ancient jar pieces. I value items for the stories they tell. I guess his goal of making us think about items, the role they played in the past and present, and how we value utilitarian and artistic objects was met.
Posted by: homer | February 21st, 2013 at 9:40 am
Thank you for sharing Ai Wei Wei's powerful work. I highly recommend watching PBS/Frontline's recent documentary about the artist and his political struggles, "Who's Afraid of Ai Weiwei?" You can stream the film on PBS's site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ai-wei-wei/
Posted by: Liz | February 21st, 2013 at 9:56 am
I am a DC resident and Interior Design student at the Corcoran College of Art & Design near the Hirshhorn. I have seen this exhibit a few times and it is remarkable! Thanks for bringing attention to Ai Weiwei as well as the DC art scene!
Posted by: Lauren Reynolds | February 21st, 2013 at 9:58 am
Thanks for sharing the photos of the exhibit and of the arched ceiling at Union Station. All the photos were great but I have to say my favorite was the Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads and of those I liked the Rooster most; probably because he reminds me of my old rooster here at home.
Posted by: Daniel Duke | February 21st, 2013 at 10:10 am
As one can see...beauty can be found in anything! Thx for sharing Martha.
Posted by: Debra | February 21st, 2013 at 10:13 am
What an amazing iconic exhibit. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Darryl Moland | February 21st, 2013 at 10:17 am
What a fabulous overview of this exhibition...you really capture the key points and important messages of this show. Thank you!
Posted by: Marci Lash | February 21st, 2013 at 10:29 am
Amazing how the images one chooses to show reveal a lot about the blogger. Always interesting!
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | February 21st, 2013 at 11:26 am
Very interesting and beautiful exhibit, I would love to visit this place.
I enjoyed seeing photos of this exhibit on Gael's instagram, Loved it.
Thank you for sharing
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 21st, 2013 at 11:52 am
Thank you for sharing this interesting exhibit. It is amazing how he expressed his views through art. I love his quote on #23. I must say I agree with previous post by homer on the vases. It bothers me that the artisit painted coco cola on an ancient vase, but still everything here does make a person think.
Posted by: Diane P | February 21st, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Forget the exhibit, I love your coat. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Cris | February 21st, 2013 at 8:45 pm
True words. Ai Weiwei---motivated by love, fearless & free.
Posted by: Jennifer McHenry | February 22nd, 2013 at 7:10 am
Thank you for sharing the powerful artwork of Ai Weiwei. I too am an archaeologist and historian, so I appreciate the intensity of the artist's statement in transforming and destroying valued cultural objects. The Chinese government's Three Gorges Dam project immediately came to mind. How many more treasures, known and unknown, are being destroyed as a result?
Posted by: Regina Hart | February 22nd, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Dear Martha, Thank you for posting all about him. He's really great!
Posted by: Tina Y | February 22nd, 2013 at 11:37 pm
Dear Martha, I love, love, love when you celebrate amazing American public architectural detail. Thank you for that. It's fun to see you also celebrate a progressive artist challenging the status quo. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen | February 23rd, 2013 at 2:16 am
Thank you for visiting this exhibit and bringing attention to Weiwei. maybe you can make human rights as fascinating as all your other interests!
Posted by: MJB | February 23rd, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Thank you for all your interesting and informative information on gardens I am so looking forward to visiting myself.
Posted by: Bonnie Ford | February 25th, 2013 at 9:28 am