Ai Weiwei. Photo by Alessandro Moggi
Ai Weiwei is to open his first major exhibition in Italy in September. Entitled “Ai Weiwei: Libero” and curated by Arturo Galansino, the show will occupy the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and place Florence firmly on the contemporary art map.
Weiwei’s significant and controversial lifework will be exhibited throughout the entire Renaissance palace, something no other artist has ever done. The artist will bring new works to the exhibition, one of which will serve as a response to the continuing refugee crisis in Europe. This new installation, “Reframe”, will be achieved through 22 inflatable orange lifeboats which will embellish the palace’s façade. Additionally, you should expect to see a five-tonne metal sculpture in the palace’s courtyard that will represent the endless struggles for freedom in China.
“He Xie – River crabs / Harmony” by Ai Weiwei (2010). Image Courtesy of Palazzo Strozzi
“Stacked/Forever, Bicycles” by Ai Weiwei (2003). Image Courtesy of Palazzo Strozzi
“Ai Weiwei: Libero” opens at Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, on 23 September 2016 and runs until 22 January 2017