Art installation by the internationally acclaimed Chinese artist-activist AI Weiwei will replace the Christmas tree under the Washington Square Arch, which usually stood there during the holidays since 1924.
Exhibit at Washington Square is part of the larger project of the famous artist Good Fences Make Good Neighbors, which will be presented in ten major thematic work and more than 90 small installations in the five boroughs of new York. A major exhibition devoted to 40th anniversary of creative work of modern artist will be held from October 12 to February 11.
Exhibition of AI Weiwei is not just a demonstration of creativity, she also addresses the social theme. The idea of the project was the result of the current crisis, international migration and «socio-political struggle» in the United States and around the world. Fences of metal and wire that are in every installation, is a demonstration of barriers in the literal sense, so have a metaphorical meaning of separatism and division.
According to the artist, who immigrated to new York in the 1980’s: «the Fence has always been a tool in the lexicon of politicians and causing the Association with the words «border», «security» and «neighbor» posed by the current global political environment. But it is important to remember, despite the fact that the barriers used to divide us as a people, we are all the same.»
Despite the noble goal of the project, some new Yorkers are less than enthusiastic about the exhibition. The Association of «Washington square» tried to move the exhibition to another place, as it would replace the 45-foot Christmas tree, which traditionally was located on Washington Square from 24th December 1924. But members of Community Board 2 gave permission for the installation of the installation Wavea under the arch. The community demanded that Public Art Fund has found an alternative venue for a Christmas tree, and covered any additional expenses for his new placement.
As it became known, the artist-immigrant AI Weiwei took first place in the «one Hundred most influential people in the art world» by ArtReview in 2011. And in the ranking «the Most influential people in the world» Time magazine contemporary artist occupies 24-e a place.
