The big man of Beijing's new show fills the former prison with a giant rainbow dragon and Lego models of 175 prisoners of conscience, from Nelson Mandela to Edward Snowden. The artist's bravery and commitment are extraordinary
Alcatraz is undergoing a big change. The former prison which was home to Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone is now hosting what many say is the most anticipated contemporary art show of the year.
The exhibit is called ‘(at) large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz’ and opens Saturday at the former maximum-security prison. Admittance is free. The artist directed the installation of the exhibit while under house arrest in China for what supporters say are trumped-up tax charges.
Starting Sept. 27, the former island penitentiary turned U.S. national park in San Francisco Bay will offer visitors the opportunity to view seven installations custom-designed by the artist and activist Ai Weiwei.
There's nothing subtle about the work of Ai Weiwei, the internationally known Chinese political dissident and artist who designed the striking exhibition titled "@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz," opening Saturday and running through April 26. His comment on freedom of expression and human rights -- through images of political prisoners captured here in one of the world's most infamous lockups -- echo loudly, like the clank of cellblock doors.
On September 27th visitors to Alcatraz Island will get an extra element to explore, an art exhibit by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz. The exhibit explores human rights and freedom of expression in seven site-specific installations in four locations, some areas not usually open to the public, throughout the island.
A recording is from Illumination, one of the sound installations, which makes use of the prison hospital – an Alcatraz site not normally open to daytime visitors.
The title of international art star Ai Weiwei’s installation on Alcatraz, @Large, is a contradiction, since the artist himself is anything but. The unusual exhibition on the site of the famous penitentiary opens this weekend and explores themes of freedom and imprisonment.
Ai Weiwei’s highly anticipated project on Alcatraz Island is finally here. “@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz” features seven site-specific installations inspired by both the artist’s personal experiences following his detainment by the Chinese government and the history of the 19th century Bay Area prison.
The highly anticipated “@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz,” which opens to the public on Saturday, depends too much on the sort of patience and reflection that few people may ever bring to a tourist destination.
On September 27, @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz, a series of site-specific commissions within the historic former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary will debut. Don’t expect to see the artist; he remains unable to travel, though his ideas will be everywhere.
