The Museum of Cycladic Art (MCA) in Athens presents a major exhibition with Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Ai Weiwei at Cycladic is the artist’s first exhibition within an archeological museum and in the country of Greece. This exhibition introduces audiences to his practice through many of his significant works, placing them within the museums renowned collection. Ai Weiwei also unveils new works inspired by the permanent archeological collection of the museum.
The exhibition explores the artisti’s use of materials often associated with antiquity such as marble, as well as the craftsmanship and traditional techniques of wood. Through Ai Weiwei creates dialogue with ancient Cycladic art, giving poignancy to the display in an archeological museum.
The 25 artworks on display include celebrated works Grapes (2011), Divina Proportione (2012), Mask (2011), Cao (2014), as well as a new, unseen work inspired by the museum’s significant archeological collection.
Ai Weiwei’s collaboration with the MCA begun in 2015 and following the Museum’s invitation, the artist visited Athens as well as the island of Lesbos. He has since set up a studio on the island to create art that will draw attention to the refugee crisis in Greece. A number of new works will feature in Ai Weiwei at Cycladic, creating a true cross-cultural depiction of past, present and a universal hope for the future.
The MCA will be donating 10% of all exhibition proceeds to two NGOs; Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Greek NGO METAdrasi, who are providing valuable aid to the refugee crisis in Greece.
