Two Ai Weiwei shows cancelled in China, but solo exhibition in Denmark goes ahead

Denmark

Two Ai Weiwei shows cancelled in China, but solo exhibition in Denmark goes ahead

Foreign institutions have already expressed an interest in collaborating, says Louisiana Museum curator

By Clemens Bomsdorf. Web only
Published online: 23 February 2011

Ai Weiwei in Tate's Turbine Hall

HUMLEBAEK. Chinese artist Ai Weiwei might have cancelled two exhibitions in China, which were due to open at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA), Beijing in March (one retrospective of his work, “F For Fake”, and one he was due to curate) after UCCA asked them to be suspended “for political reasons”. But there are no such problems with his first solo exhibition in a Scandinavian museum, which is due to open in November (until February 2012) at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.

“Ai Weiwei’s work fits very well with the concept of our museum working with architecture and different media,” Anders Kold, the exhibition’s curator told The Art Newspaper. It has not yet been decided whether the museum will acquire any of the works due to go on show.

The Chinese artist is proving to be man of the moment, with several exhibitions currently ongoing. His exhibition at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, which opened last October will close in May. “The show at Tate inspired us, but it is important to present something different,” said Kold. “Foreign institutions have already contacted us regarding possible collaboration,” he added. “It is an option, but it is too early for a decision.” Kold would not confirm where these institutions are based, but The Art Newspaper understands that they are in another Nordic country. Copenhagen and Beijing-based Danish gallery Faurschou are also currently showing an exhibition of Ai Weiwei's work (until 27 March).

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Comments

30 Mar 11
14:23 CET

DEBRA, TORONTO

You have not the faintest of idea why this his art is considered art because you do not know what he tries to accomplish in China...learn about the artist and you will understand...start with the biographical piece aired on "Frontline" (PBS). To YOUR point Peter I agree I too "cannot seem to think of him as barbaric and arrogant" well said. He is a brillant man who is trying to open the eyes of the world to injustice and ignorance...he does not have to destroy his own work...the Chinese Government does that for him...that is the POINT!

24 Feb 11
19:6 CET

NING WANG, PORT HOPE

I have not a clue why a field of sunflower seeds is a work of art. What meaning does it convey? Could someone who understands it help us all who have not a faintest idea what this is all about? When the installation is taken off please hoover the floor thoroughly, as otherwise the left-over seeds could attract mice...

23 Feb 11
16:48 CET

PETER DEKKER, GRONINGEN

No matter how high he is praised, I can't seem to think of him as barbaric and arrogant for destroying early Chinese earthenware that was not his to tamper with. As an antique collector I never feel I own these artifacts, I merely care for them until I pass them on to the next. After all, many are only in my hands because countless people cherished them before me. His statement was towards elite collector's circles that put high prices on ordinary things and call them art. I think that's exactly today's problem with modern art as well, and why this Ai WeiWei is so hailed. So why not destroy a contemporary piece that can be reproduced? Why not destroy his own work? When looking at the best of old craftsmanship no-one has to tell me the thought behind it, it is just breathtaking. Modern art often desperately needs a story to make up for the lack of actual craftsmanship. Next time, destroy the work of an overrated colleague, will you? -Peter

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Comments

No matter how high he is praised, I can't seem to think of him as barbaric and arrogant for destroying early Chinese earthenware that was not his to...

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