Ai Weiwei Exhibition - thru August 20, 2017, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This is the first exhibition of works by Chinese artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei at a botanic garden, and it is well worth a visit alone to see his Iron Tree, acquired by the garden last year in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
More than 22 feet tall, Iron Tree includes more than 99 separate pieces cast from tree elements in Southern China. It is the artist's largest outdoor sculpture to date.
The exhibition is entitled "Natural State," a reference to the artist's use of imagery from nature to outline his ideas and concerns. It also refers to his use of natural materials, from iron and wood to bamboo, ceramics and silk. In all, the garden is showing more than 30 of Ai Weiwei's works, spread throughout the gardens, gallieries, conservatories, public spaces and the auditorium.
Three wallpapers are included in the show, among them the rarely displayed The Animal that Looks Like a Llama but is Really an Alpaca.
Five monumental sculptures that refer to Chinese mythology are in the garden's Scenic Corridor, and porcelains are displayed in the Tropical Conservatory, Arid Garden, and the Seasonal Display Greenhouse.
If you can plan a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, don't miss the chance to see fascinating works.
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