Bang: Ai Weiwei
Famed contemporary artist Ai Weiwei uses craftsmanship as a metaphor to explore ideas about cultural identity in his recent piece titled ‘Bang’. ‘Bang’ is on show at the 2013 Venice Biennale.
While examining cultural traditions of his native country, China, Weiwei studied and collected antiques that he eventually integrated into his own work. Weiwei not only examined the art and antiques markets and the associated export of cultural values; he also reflected on the contrast between old and new ideas about value.
For his Venice Biennale installation, Weiwei has assembled 886 three-legged wooden stools. In today’s China, the three-legged stool is an antique. Manufactured by a uniform method, it was once in use throughout China and in all sectors of society for centuries. Every family had at least one stool, which served all sorts of domestic purposes and was passed on from generation to generation.
To create the 886 stereotyped and yet highly individual chairs, Weiwei recruited traditional craftsmen who possessed the necessary and now rare expertise. The stool, as part of the sculptural structure, may be read as a metaphor for the individual and their role within a larger cultural identity.
‘Bang’ is on display until Sunday 24 November 2013 at the French Pavilion for the German representation, at the 55th Venice Biennale.
This post forms part of fluoro’s coverage of the 55th Venice Biennale.
