This solo exhibition by internationally renowned contemporary artist and activist, Ai Weiwei explores the concept of truth, authenticity and value, paired with issues surrounding the current coronavirus pandemic and geopolitical crisis.
Ai Weiwei will reflect on liberty in the West in contrast to China and other authoritarian regimes, to question truth and authority, express doubt and seek transparency in political matters.
The single installation includes 13 artworks exhibited alongside 14 antiquities bought at auction by the artist in Cambridge in 2020. This will be the first time the artist has juxtaposed historic Chinese objects with his own works. Some of the auction pieces acquired by the artist are thought to date from the Northern Wei (386-534 CE) and Tang (618-907 CE) dynasties, while others have been identified as counterfeits, later copies of original works.
A number of recent films made by the artist will also be screened on each day of the exhibition’s run – Coronation (2020), Cockroach (2020) and Human Flow (2017) – while two Fairytale Chairs (2007) will be placed in the Kettle’s Yard House for visitors to use.
