Ai Weiwei’s exhibition ‘Roots’ features a series of large-scale sculptures in cast iron, created from the roots of endangered trees sourced in Brazil, which explore the theme of displacement through a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary art practices. The roots were conjoined and cast to create striking and fantastical forms that reflect their Brazilian heritage. The exhibition features some floating figures, clouds and dream-like vignettes produced from stretched silk over bamboo armatures, and politically-charged wall-based works using LEGO bricks. The theme of displacement reflects not only the artist’s peripatetic existence but also the plight of refugees and indigenous populations that rely on the trees and forests of Brazil for their habitats and sustenance. Ai worked with local artisans and communities across Brazil to create the sculptures, highlighting the connection between the material (cast iron covered in a patina of orange rust) and ancient cultures and man’s first tools for tree felling and woodworking. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with Ai’s Berlin gallery, neugerriemschneider.
Posted by hateruma_yaeyama on 2019-10-02 10:41:32