Ai Weiwei: New York Photographs 1983-1993
until April 18 @ Three Shadows Photography Art Center
Archiving more than ten years of photographs proved to be a time-consuming task, delayed three times before its opening, this mammoth exhibition exceeds mere documentary objectives. The enormous space of Three Shadows (which was designed by Ai Weiwei himself) is filled with white frames and B&W images selected from over 350 rolls of film, spanning a decade.
What looks like daunting exhibition, is actually a smooth viewing experience. His self-portraits merge seamlessly with casual photos of friends the likes of Chen Kaige or Tan Dun–a charmed circle of Beijing bohemians living in New York–political protests are dotted with still life bric-a-brac. This is a personal and stirring collection of works that offering rare insight into the creative development of one of the most important artists today, he also projects a commonality that inspires anyone.
Beijing audiences are given a unique treat with “Ai Weiwei New York Photographs”, an intimate portrait embedded in this unique space that is impossible to recreate in another context. What could be a ego-fueled vanity exhibition is tempered by the high-minded and hauntingly understated but omnipresent ego of the artist. Time for personal reflection is surely a valuable part of the viewing experience.
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