Ai Weiwei’s "Life Cycle" Exhibit Features Unseen Inflatable Boat Sculpture

Seminal Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is the subject of a new solo exhibition at the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles, California. Entitled “Life Cycle,” the momentous presentation features a never-before-seen sculpture meticulously crafted using traditional Chinese kite-making methods. The large-scale piece draws inspiration from the artist’s Law of the Journey (2017) sculpture of a makeshift boat. Both pieces call attention to the ongoing, global refugee crisis.

Accompanying the bamboo and silk boat installation are iconic works including Sunflower Seeds (2010) composed of 49 tons of individual porcelain sunflower seeds by 1600 artisans and Spouts (2015) which features an immense pile of antique teapot spouts dating back to the Song Dynasty (920-1279). These bodies of work are found within the institution’s Theater Gallery.

Take a look inside “Life Cycle” in the slideshow above and head over to Marciano Art Foundation’s website to learn more. The show is currently on view until March 3, 2019.

In other art stories, check out our exclusive first look at Yayoi Kusama’s forthcoming exhibition at London-based gallery Victoria Miro.

Marciano Art Foundation
4357 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90010