Chinese Art in London…But Don’t Expect to Bump into the Artist

Talking of the exhibition of Mao posters at Westminster University reminded me that if you are in London anytime soon there’s actually quite a lot of art to see – The Lisson Grove Gallery in Bell Street is holding its largest ever exhibition and it’s all of Ai Weiwei’s work. The exhibition will remain on display until July 16 with little fear of the Metropolitan Police shutting it down. The gallery, at 29 and 52-54 Bell Street, is open from 10am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays. For more information, see www.lissongallery.com.

Of course while in London you could pop over to Somerset House where, until June 26th, they’re exhibiting Circle of Animals, a series of sculptures of zodiac animals heads throughout the magnificent courtyard of the building. The artist – Ai Weiwei. They are rather striking comprising 12 bronze animal heads, re-creations of the traditional Chinese zodiac sculptures which once adorned the fountain of the Yuanming Yuan (Summer Palace) in Beijing. The installation is part of an International Tour which started in New York.

I am fascinated by making public art. ‘Public’ does not just refer to the museum public; it’s for people passing by and using communal spaces. I think the public deserve the best. In the past, only a pope or an emperor had access to the artworks they commissioned. I want my work to be accessible to everyone. As Yuanming Yuan was being built, Somerset House was being constructed and for me this means that the Courtyard is the perfect setting for Circle of Animals.
Ai Weiwei, 2011

Of course you don’t need me to tell you that Ai Weiwei disappeared at the beginning of April after being arrested by Chinese authorities as he tried to board a plane to Hong Kong on business. His whereabouts remain unknown and no formal charges have yet been brought against him.