It's Friday! Due to technical difficulties posting this week has been made difficult and as such delegated to be concentrated into this weeks what a concept post. My apologies. Although this week the concepts take a turn from the typical to something familiar, but different all the same.
Cycling is a passion, a sport, a tool of transportation, a toy for children, and an escape for adults. It is far more than just a one dimensional "thing" as so many items in our lives are. Since bikes have such a large role in society it is not surprising that along its growth through history that it has become the subject of art. Surely I am no cultured art critic, but it is not within me to look upon anything without forming some opinion. What a Concept looks at the more conceptual beauty and artistic side of the bicycle.
Let us look at the Forever Bicycles exhibit by Ai Weiwei. An artist from China, Ai has been "detained" from traveling with his art work to Taiwan where it is being featured at Taipei's Fine Arts Museum. The piece Forever Bicycles shows an amazing perspective of China's bicycle culture, history and future through a mass of 1000 welded together bikes. As you can see from the pics it is not just a mass of twisted metal, but a dimensional eye feast that despite being so massive-looks light, clean and surreal. Never having been much of a fan before of this kind of art, and besides my bias from the subject matter, it appeals to the OCD side of my brain while still being chaotic. The overall image gives me the idea of a heavenly bike rack floating in the clouds.
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| Photo-Getty |
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| Photo-Getty |
| Photo- Reuters |
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| Photo-The Telegraph |
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| Photo-Aiweiwei.com |
Ai Weiwei is an established artist, and the designer of the "Birds Nest" stadium for the 2008 summer games, and considered a dissident by the Chinese Government. In fact, while his art is traveling to Taipei, Ai has been detained by Chinese officials and held at a secret location. His Studio (pictured at left with the piece "Fountain of Light") was destroyed by the Chinese Government likely since some of his art is aimed against the communist govt. and politics of China. Ai produces works that combine pop culture with antiquity, and everyday items are given a grand treatment to contrast how we see them day to day. His work spans many mediums, from fine wood carvings of the Zodiacs, to monumental marble doors piles together. The bicycle has been a subject of many of his pieces, which reflects the importance within Chinese culture and how he views social changes. However we interpret his art, or his intentions to speak through them, the end result is some rather amazing visual spectacles. Yeah, even the one with him giving the bird to Tiananmin Square.
Since my rating scale does not currently reflect artistic relevance, lets replace the Einstar with a favorite artist of your choice. What a concept eh?
6 full Einstars!
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