MCASD will present the U.S. museum debut of Ai Weiwei?s topical and sumptuous Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold (2010). This gallery-sized installation is comprised of twelve animal heads, each depicting a segment of the ancient Chinese zodiac. The recent works by artist and activist Ai Weiwei reference a European version of the Chinese zodiac designed by Italian Jesuit Giuseppe Castiglione. The original sculptures, with their international connections, were built for an elaborate water-clock fountain at the imperial summer home of Emperor Qianlong, just outside of Beijing. In 1860 during the Second Opium War, the imperial gardens were ransacked, displacing the twelve zodiac heads. To this date only seven have been recovered. Continuing his work of re-interpreting cultural objects from his own fantasy and historical knowledge, Ai revisions all twelve zodiac heads.
Admission: Varies, see website. Museum enterance is free on the third Thursday of every month.
Location:
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Jacobs Building 1100 & 1001 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA
Saturday, June 16 - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For more information, please call: (858) 454-3541 or visit: www.mcasd.org
Admission: Varies, see website. Museum enterance is free on the third Thursday of every month.
Location:
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Jacobs Building 1100 & 1001 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA
Saturday, June 16 - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For more information, please call: (858) 454-3541 or visit: www.mcasd.org
