The next day was the reason for our whole trip: A visit to Ai Wei Wei’s @Large exhibit at Alcatraz Island. For those who don’t know, Ai Wei Wei is a contemporary Chinese artist and activist. He has been a political activist for many years in regards to human rights and democracy for China. You can read more about him here. He was banned from leaving China in 2011 after he was arrested for tax evasion, among other alleged crimes, so this entire Alcatraz show was put together by other people he communicated with. I just found an article that says he has since had his passport returned to him this past July. He’s been through a lot: his studio was demolished by the Chinese government, several people he’s worked with have mysteriously gone missing (assumed to have disappeared into police custody), he’s endured emotional and psychological abuse by the Chinese government, and he still continues to create art. All the details of the exhibition can be found here.
It was interesting to walk around the place, because most of the people had no idea the exhibit was there, or who Ai Wei Wei was. There were many information people standing around if you had any questions, which was nice, but I always wonder if people who came to see the place and not the art will find this interesting at all. I’m sure it will for some people, but I feel like most people won’t understand the significance of it. The Lego piece was amazing. It must have taken a zillion years to plan out and build.
There were binders that you could flip through with each face and an explanation of what their ‘crime’ was.
Although the artwork dominated the rooms, there were details about the building that were just as intriguing to me. There were exhibits at every main building, so we spent a good portion of the morning walking around everything. There were guided tours offered, as well as headsets you could listen to, but we chose to go off on our own for the most part.One of my favorite installations was a music installation. Each cell had a different song playing. It was weird to sit in the tiny cells and imagine living there, having such a small space to stare at, day in and day out.
The more I read about all these people, the more I was grateful about living where I do, much as I might complain about it sometimes. But I can pretty much write a song about whatever the heck I want and I won’t be tortured for it. I can listen to and read whatever I want and not live in fear.
This next sculpture really confused people. Most everyone just glanced at it, wondered what it was about, and were too lazy to read or ask questions. Really people? It takes four seconds to read giant signs. (And I know art isn’t for everyone, but if you’re already there, take the time!)