Ai Weiwei Subverts the Swoosh in “Colored Vase” Edition
Made in collaboration with Avant Arte.
Summary
- Ai Weiwei and Avant Arte have teamed up on a “Colored Vase,” a five-piece sculptural edition that probes the tension between tradition and commercialization
- Priced at $1,554 USD each, the works will be available for a one-week window starting August 28
Ai Weiwei has built a career on turning tradition inside out, consistently returning to ancient Chinese pottery to confront politics of value, heritage and power. In his provocative 1995 piece “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn,” Weiwei did just that, reframing destruction as its own act of preservation. In other works, centuries-old vases are graced with a logomaniac touch, weaving symbols of commercial emblems into objects of deep cultural heritage.
The iconic artist and activist builds on this dialogue in a new five-piece collaboration with Avant Arte. Titled “Coloured Vase,” the limited sculptural edition dons a familiar upside-down swoosh, fusing ancient craftsmanship with the language of contemporary commerce. The projects comes as a follow up to his 2023 Coca-cola emblazoned Murano “Glass Vase” works and Duchamp-inspired Readymades — works that challenge the social systems that decides what gets to be precious.
Arriving in red, blue, green, silver and gold colorways, the nickel-plated editions are created trough a meticulous metal-spinning process and finished with a tinted lacquer. Measuring 21 × 23 × 23 cm, every vase bears Weiwei’s engraved signature and its unique edition number on the base. The sculptures will be available for $1,554 USD for a one-week window, starting at 2 PM BST on August 28. Head to Avant Arte to sign up for the drop.
