Ai Weiwei

Milan

The current exhibition Ai Weiwei at Lisson Gallery Milan presents ceramic and marble works by the same-named artist.

The exhibition includes a number of ceramics made by Ai Weiwei in 2006 during an intensive working residency in Jingdezhen, the heartland of Chinese ceramic production. The traditional techniques passed on to Ai Weiwei by local craftsmen sparked a radical new direction for the artist and were the genesis of his Sunflowers Seeds installation at Tate Modern.

The historical and cultural significance of the materials and techniques Ai Weiwei uses are an essential element of almost all his sculptures. Much of his work with ceramics has involved ready-mades: adapting, painting and destroying valuable ancient urns and vases. In contrast the exhibition at Lisson focuses on sculptures he has created by hand from scratch.

Porcelain is traditionally seen as the highest Chinese art form; Ai Weiwei has long challenged this reverence and the high financial values attached to the medium. Still his work shows deference to the craftsman of Jingdezhen and their skills, meeting the same exacting standards in their perfect finish.

Lisson Gallery

April 12th – May 25th, 2012
Via Zenale, 3
20123 Milan
Italy

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