.
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads – by Ai Weiwei
Temporary Exhibit: May 4 to July 15, 2011
Location: Pulitzer Fountain in Central Park’s Grand Army Plaza, Manhatten.
It comprised of 12 monumental bronze animal heads positioned on marble bases,
in the lower two basins of the historic Pulitzer Fountain.
Few firsts associated with this..
– It was the first time an art installation was presented at the New York City landmark.
– The Zodiac Project is the first major public sculpture by contemporary Chinese sculptor Ai Weiwei.
It was inspired by the famous twelve bronze animal heads that once adorned the Zodiac Fountain in Yuan Ming Yuan, the Old Summer Palace, in Beijing. Cast around 1750, the original heads were looted by Anglo-French troops who took part in the destruction of Yuan Ming Yuan in 1860 during the Second Opium War.
Ai Weiwei was supposed to attend the Opening Ceremony, but he was detained in China in April, 2011 for close to three months, causing an international outcry. He is currently prohibited from leaving Beijing. He has become an international symbol of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and dissent.
“It is innovative and thought-provoking exhibits like Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads that keep New York one of the world’s great places to live, work and visit. And as we continue to showcase the best art exhibits and attractions, we maintain our status as the cultural capital of the world. We are honored that New York is host to this monumental work by Ai Weiwei, before it travels the rest of the globe.”
– Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads – by Ai Weiwei
.
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads – by Ai Weiwei
.
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads – by Ai Weiwei / Details of Ram, because Ram is my Zodiac sign.
.
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads – by Ai Weiwei
.
Pulitzer Fountain – by Karl Bitter
.
Very informative summary on Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza, can be found at the Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, click here..
.
.
Related Links:
Home.. click here..
2011 Vacation: Trip to New York City, Washington D.C., New Jersey and Philadelphia.. click here..
2011 Vacation: New York City.. click here..
My Vacations.. click here..
Vacation: USA.. click here..
Vacation: UK.. click here..
Vacation: India.. click here..
UNESCO World Heritage Site.. click here..
.
.
.
Chicago Art Blogger