Demonstrators call for the release of detained Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
Supporters of acclaimed Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei, who was arrested earlier this month at Beijing airport by Chinese authorities, protested against his detainment last Sunday, April 17 in peaceful demonstrations worldwide.
A known activist for artistic freedom and freedom of speech, Ai Weiwei was arrested on April 3 on grounds of “economic crimes” by Chinese authorities as he left China to attend an exhibition in Hong Kong. He has not been seen since. His arrest marks a significant crackdown in China against political dissidents.
In response to Ai Weiwei’s detention, Canadian curator Steven Holmes called upon supporters to gather peacefully at 1pm local time outside Chinese embassies and consulates throughout the world, bringing with them a chair.
The significance of the chair is in itself artistic, referencing Ai Weiwei’s 2007 installation in Kassel Germany, Fairytale: 1001 Qing Dynasty Wooden Chairs, which comprised of 1001 wooden chairs from the late Ming and Qing Dynasty. Each chair represented one of the 1001 Chinese ‘tourists’ who volunteered to be part of the project, living in Kassel throughout the duration of the show, and whose changes in circumstances were documented by the artist.
In the absence of a Chinese consulate, Vallarta residents, including artists, curators and gallerists, held their own silent protest for an hour on the Malecon, in front of the famous Caballito/Seahorse, calling for the safe release of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists.
For pictures and further information about Ai Weiwei’s work, see the following websites:
MoMA (USA) - http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=34722
Tate Modern (UK) http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/unileverseries2010/default.shtm
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