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About The Asian reporter. (Portland, Or.) 1991-current | View Entire Issue (July 6, 2015)
Arts Culture & Entertainment July 6, 2015 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 11 Ai Weiwei: In the spotlight By Kate Hubbard The Asian Reporter he Portland Art Museum recently opened a display of sculptures by Ai Weiwei, China’s most famous contemporary artist — and also it’s most controversial. Some may know his name from his collaboration with architects on the design of Bird’s Nest stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Others may remember the uproar caused when the artist was filmed intentionally dropping a priceless vase, or when he dripped paint over Han Dynasty vases. Upon learning more about his history, his body of work starts to paint a fascinating story. “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold (2010),” a display of a dozen gold-gilt bronze sculptures by the artist and activist, opened May 23 and remains on view through September 13. Ai was born in 1957, the son of a famous poet. When Ai was a child, his father got into trouble with the government and was sent to live in internal exile in China. The family struggled to survive for 20 years before they were allowed out. Imagine living your formative years in exile, then finding your voice through art. It’s no wonder his creative vision is so powerful. The Chinese government thinks so, too. Ai has been held in secret detention, beaten up, and had his studio burned down. He is currently prohibited from leaving China without permission. Luckily he spent more than a decade in New York in the 1980s and ’90s honing his craft and gaining exposure to a different world. When he returned to China, it was with a new perspective. Ai is known for working with different mediums using multiple layers of meaning to make his point. As ongoing themes emerge, he plays with contradictions while using his art as a catalyst to inspire social awareness and change. He is also China’s most outspoken homegrown critic; his political commentary puts him at constant risk. Staying in the international public spotlight actually helps Ai in a number of ways. It makes it harder for his government to make him “disappear,” draws attention to issues that might otherwise stay hidden in his country, and helps him stay funded and able to pursue his artistic freedom. Currently, there are multiple sets of Ai’s zodiac animal heads rotating through international exhibits, which help him keep a high profile. The dozen gilded bronze animal heads on display at the Portland Art Museum are reinterpretations of zodiac animal heads that were part of a spectacular fountain at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), a vast complex of gardens and pavilions in Beijing. 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(AR Photos/Jan Landis) looted and destroyed; currently, only seven of the original exhibit of its own, but shown together, the collection is a breathtaking reminder that contemporary art doesn’t sculpture pieces have been recovered. The fountain was designed in a European style by have to assault aesthetic sensibilities. It is work that is Italian Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione, so as Ai has pointed both intelligent and beautiful. For the exhibit, the Portland Art Museum decided to out, it does not truly represent Chinese cultural heritage, which is a hotly debated topic in China. Be sure to present Ai’s work in a different way. Instead of displaying read a description of the controversy while visiting the the sculptures in a long line against a wall, the curator carefully arranged them in a circle, which allows viewers museum. In the display, Ai plays with the concepts of ownership, to have full access to each one. The pieces are also looting, and who really owns cultural heritage. What if arranged in the order of the lunar calendar, with each it’s fake, or only a copy? He makes brilliant com- animal representing two hours of western time. The sculpted animal heads are painstakingly rendered, mentary on the market for artifacts and archaeological relics, but also participates in and benefits from that same from the scales of the Snake to the feathers of the Rooster and the whimsical expression of the Rabbit. These are market. The heads on display toy with the cultural fetishization more than copies, they are cultural artifacts for a new of historical artifacts. The gold patina transforms them digital world that is constantly changing. This reporter instantly into objects that beguile, as humans have recommends watching some of Ai Weiwei’s online videos historically gone crazy for gold and done horrific things to before spending time at the exhibit, as they might give visitors a different perspective on the pieces, as well as on attain it. Walking into the gallery is like stumbling into an contemporary art. “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold (2010)” is on archaeological treasure trove. The gold heads glow with warmth while the cool light of the room feels like an oasis. display through September 13 at the Portland Art The detail on each piece highlights not only that Ai is Museum, located at 1219 S.W. Park Avenue. To learn talented at making political and social statements, but he more, call (503) 226-2811 or visit <www.portlandart is also a highly skilled artist. Each animal is worthy of an museum.org>. Sita Symonette Tables Chairs Linens China Satin overlays Serving items And more! Licensed Acupuncturist seasymonettea@gmail.com Call to schedule an appointment: (503) 308-9363 Serving Willamette Valley wine country & more 505 N.W. Ninth Ave., Portland, OR 97209 (503) 857-2706 w www.yourinvitedpartyrentals.com Retirement Living . Studio & One-Bedroom Apartments . Dining Room, Beauty and Barber Shop . 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