SOMERSET HOUSE IN MAY: Ai Weiwei - Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads

12 May – 26 June Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court 

Free admission

I am fascinated by making public art. ‘Public’ does not just refer to the museum public; it’s for people passing by and using communal spaces. I think the public deserve the best. In the past, only a pope or an emperor had access to the artworks they commissioned. I want my work to be accessible to everyone. As Yuanming Yuan was being built, Somerset House was being constructed and for me this means that the Courtyard is the perfect setting for Circle of Animals.
Ai Weiwei, 2011

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s work will be the first ever contemporary art sculpture to go on display in the historic courtyard of Somerset House. It will also be the first outdoor public sculpture installation by the artist in London.

The monumental installation will comprise 12 bronze animal heads, re-creations of the traditional Chinese zodiac sculptures which once adorned the fountain of Yuanming Yuan, an imperial retreat in Beijing. The installation is part of an International Tour which will start in New York.

TalksTo coincide with the installation, Somerset House is running a series of talks inspired by the artist's practice and political activism. The talks will feature prominent speakers from the realms of art, media, literature and education. The talks are curated and chaired by writer and broadcaster Ekow Eshun.

Dates and Themes:
Friday 13 May 2011 - The Art of Ai Weiwei
Monday 16 May 2011 - China: The End of the Revolution
Monday 23 May 2011 - Politics in the Age of Twitter
Monday 6 June 2011 - Art, Activism and the Avant-garde

Admission to talks: £10, Concessions £8 students
Price includes glass of wine!!!!!!
Places will be limited,  prior booking is essential.