Photo by myself outside the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.
A temporary sculpture by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei lines the fountain in front of the Plaza Hotel.
The installation is called 'Zodiac Heads'. Twelve bronze heads depict the signs of the Chinese zodiac. Believe it or not, each head is actually four feet tall.
Ai Weiwei is one of those rare artists whose work spans many different disciplines, including conceptual art, sculpture and architecture. Weiwei was one of the designers of the Bird's Nest building for the 2008 Olympics.
In early April, Weiwei was arrested by the Chinese government, for no apparent reason. Weiwei has been an outspoken political activist in Beijing.
The sculpture will remain in place until July 15th, when it will travel to Los Angeles, Houston, Pittsburgh and Washington. Another set of heads is on view in London.
For a review of the installation in the Times, click here.
Each animal bust is rendered with a spare sense of detail.
Related posts: Time for Valentine's, Public Art at the Lever House and At the Base of Merchant's Gate, Central Park South.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
'Zodiac Heads', Outside the Plaza Hotel
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
la première photo est top top, j'adore.
hahaha who looks at the zodiac heads with this little ballerina in front of it... so adorable. She totally makes the picture great!
www.seitenstrasse.blogspot.com
So terrible Wei Wei is arrested, what danger can an artist be to a government. He is just genius and famous abroad. The photo is a tribute to hem, look what artist he is, thanks for sharing.
Love your capture of this sweet little dancer gazing at the sculpture.
also, great WSJ link from the previous day too - thanks!
A timely exhibit! There have been on-going protests here outside the Chinese consulate about Wei Wei's arrest.
I had heard about these, gosh they really are quite big!! Will have to check them out on Saturday but supposed to rain so not for very long. looks like a lovely day when you shot these....have a great Thursday!!
Post a Comment