Circle of Animals features twelve enormous bronze animal heads, each depicting a segment of the Chinese zodiac. Ai Weiwei's first piece of public art, it is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right. But as this book explains, the origins and motivation behind the piece are as compelling as the work itself. Ai Weiwei based the sculpture on a similar work that was built for an imperial retreat in the eighteenth century. When the palace was looted by European soldiers, the sculpture was stolen-only seven of the twelve ...
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Circle of Animals features twelve enormous bronze animal heads, each depicting a segment of the Chinese zodiac. Ai Weiwei's first piece of public art, it is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right. But as this book explains, the origins and motivation behind the piece are as compelling as the work itself. Ai Weiwei based the sculpture on a similar work that was built for an imperial retreat in the eighteenth century. When the palace was looted by European soldiers, the sculpture was stolen-only seven of the twelve heads survive. By reimagining the work Ai Weiwei confronts uncomfortable truths within Chinese and Western history. This book compares Ai Weiwei's work to the original sculpture; features interviews with Ai Weiwei conducted at various periods during the sculpture's development; offers a historical overview of the events surrounding the original sculpture's looting; and follows the trail of the original heads as they are sold and resold amidst political furore. The book tells the riveting story behind a highly acclaimed piece of modern art, while providing an introduction to one of our generation's most important artists.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1800grams, ISBN: 9783791346366.
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Seller's Description:
Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Oversized.
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New in new dust jacket. (WEIWEI, AI). Delson, Susan. AI WEIWEI: CIRCLE OF ANIMALS-SIGNED BY THE ARTIST. Signed by the Artist. New York: Prestel Publishing, 2011. First Edition. 4to. Boards in Pictorial Jacket. Artist Monograph. As New/As New. 220pp, 140 color and 15 b&w illustrations. With bibliographies. "Ai Weiwei's "Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads" features twelve large-scale bronze animal heads, each depicting a segment of the ancient Chinese zodiac. As a major work of public art, it is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right. But as this book explains, the origins and motivation behind the piece are as compelling as the work itself. Ai Weiwei based the sculpture on a complex zodiac fountain that was built for an imperial retreat in eighteenth-century China. When the retreat was looted by European soldiers, the fountain's bronze animal heads were stolen-only seven of the twelve are known to survive. By reimagining the work Ai Weiwei confronts uncomfortable truths within Chinese and Western history. This book compares Ai Weiwei's work to the original zodiac heads; features interviews with Ai Weiwei conducted at various periods during the sculpture's development; offers a historical overview of the events surrounding the fountain's looting; and follows the trail of the original heads as they are sold and resold amidst political furor. The book tells the riveting story behind a highly acclaimed piece of modern art, while providing an introduction to one of our generation's most important artists". A brand new, pristine example of a handful of copies of the first edition additionally BOLDLY SIGNED "Ai Weiwei" in black marker on a specially designed "Circle of Animals-Zodiac Heads" printed bookplate affixed to the front pastedown. The celebrated dissident artist and activist had been arrested by Chinese authorities just prior to the 2011 New York installation of this piece, and so unable to travel, agreed to sign a limited number of these for the book's US publication. PLEASE NOTE: Additional shipping costs are required for this item beyond our standard rates due to its weight and value-we will inform you of the applicable amount at time of purchase. 3-7913-4636-9 Inventory Number: 024539.
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New. 3791346369. *** FREE UPGRADE to Courier/Priority Shipping Upon Request ***-*** IN STOCK AND IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR SHIPMENT-Flawless copy, brand new, pristine, never opened--186 pages. Publisher description: From its fascinating historical origins to its contemporary symbolic significance, every aspect of Ai Weiwei's beautiful and monumental work of art is explored in this illustrated volume that also guides readers through the highlights of the artist's career. Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads features twelve large-scale bronze animal heads, each depicting a segment of the ancient Chinese zodiac. As a major work of public art, it is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right. But as this book explains, the origins and motivation behind the piece are as compelling as the work itself. Ai Weiwei based the sculpture on a complex zodiac fountain that was built for an imperial retreat in eighteenth-century China. When the retreat was looted by European soldiers, the fountain's bronze animal heads were stolen--only seven of the twelve are known to survive. By reimagining the work Ai Weiwei confronts uncomfortable truths within Chinese and Western history. This book compares Ai Weiwei's work to the original zodiac heads; features interviews with Ai Weiwei conducted at various periods during the sculpture's development; offers a historical overview of the events surrounding the mountain's looting; and follows the trail of the original heads as they are sold and resold amidst political furor. The book tells the riveting story behind a highly acclaimed piece of modern art, while providing an introduction to one of our generation's most important artists--with a bonus offer--
