Ai Weiwei at Meijer Gardens: Natural State

Learn more about the artist and activist in these articles from Seasons and in this chat with former Chief Curator Joseph Becherer on Soundcloud:

Who Is Ai Weiwei?
Artist and activist Ai Weiwei is among the most inspiring and influential cultural figures in the world today. In the last few years, his image and images of his work have been featured on the cover of every major art publication and most magazines and newspapers across the globe. In recent months, his exhibitions have shattered attendance records in London, Paris, Helsinki and San Francisco. In January, his work is coming to Grand Rapids in a highly unique exhibition designed especially for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. But, one might ask, who is Ai Weiwei?

Ai Weiwei, Conceptual Master:
Ai Weiwei is an artist overflowing with ideas, with concepts. There is much he wants to express regarding history and humanity, cultural and personal injustice, freedom of speech and human dignity. In fact, his ideas are so unique and important, he is most frequently viewed as a conceptual artist. To realize his concepts, he uses a broad and diverse array of objects that help convey his thinking. Ancient vessels or furniture become symbolic of Chinese history; the use of backpacks are stand-ins for children; traditionally crafted kites become symbols of freedom.

Ai Weiwei at Meijer Gardens: Natural State:
Seemingly contrasting themes of tradition and modernity are critical to the work of Ai Weiwei. The Chinese-born artist and activist is internationally heralded as one of the most important cultural figures of our time. He champions free speech and global human rights through his sculpture, installations, film, photography—and his widely followed social media presence. In the last year alone, he has mounted critically acclaimed exhibitions in London, Helsinki, Paris, Melbourne, Florence and New York. His work, through a neverending variety of materials and forms, communicates important concepts about his life, his homeland and the world.

Ai Weiwei: Iron Tree:
Standing at more than 22 feet tall and measuring more than 22 feet across, Iron Tree, 2013, is the artist’s largest and most complex outdoor sculpture to date. Meijer Gardens worked in collaboration with the artist, his Beijing studio and foundry, and London gallery to bring this colossal work to Meijer Gardens. Iron Tree was dedicated in the Sculpture Park on April 20, 2015.

Presenting Sponsor: Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation

With Appreciation: The Meijer Foundation

Additional Support:

• Mary Ann Keeler
• Lisson Gallery
• The Padnos Family
• The Louis & Helen Padnos Foundation
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation
• Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
• Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts

This exhibition has been organized by the artist and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with the support of Lisson Gallery.