Martin-Gropius-Bau presents an exhibition of photographs on view 15 October 2011 to 18 March 2012, of more than 220 photographs from the period 1983 to 1993 by Ai Weiwei.
© ai weiwei – outside tompkins square park [1986]
More than 10,000 photos emerged during this time. For the young Ai, born in 1957, this extended period of stay in the USA was very influential on the style of his future artistic works. After being in New York, Ai first of all returned to China as his father, the very famous author Ai Qing whose poems every Chinese schoolchild learns by heart, was on his deathbed.
The exhibition displays a wide range of subjects, from street fights in Tompkins Square Park, transvestites at the Wigstock festival and portraits of Chinese and American artists. The exhibition, which has already been displayed in Beijing and New York.
