white and grey veined marble; carved sculpture in the form of a Chinese side chair with curved back

Copyright %C2%A9 Ai Weiwei 2008

Marble Chair, 2008

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Ai Weiwei’s work, whether photography, sculpture, installation, or architecture, is marked by a persistent questioning of Chinese conventions and traditions and is often packed with personal references. Marble Chair is a commentary on the systematic destruction of Chinese culture that began during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76). It is carved from a single block of marble to resemble a traditional yoke-back chair, one of the few objects Ai’s family was allowed to keep when they were sent into exile. Ai’s collaborations with highly skilled artisans, in this case marble carvers, are a means of elevating and conserving traditional skills. As a superb piece of craftsmanship, Marble Chair is also a poignant symbol of China’s position as the world’s largest manufacturing center.

Details
Title
Marble Chair
Artist Life
born 1957
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2010.24
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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white and grey veined marble; carved sculpture in the form of a Chinese side chair with curved back

Copyright © Ai Weiwei 2008