Man Smashes Ai Weiwei Sculpture at Italy Art Show Opening, Raising Concerns
Incident Details at Palazzo Fava
A man shattered a sculpture by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei on Friday during the opening of his exhibition at Palazzo Fava in the Italian city of Bologna, a spokesperson for the show said. Footage from CCTV cameras – posted on Ai Weiwei’s Instagram account – showed a man vigorously pushing the sculpture over, breaking it and then holding a piece of it over his head.
Sculpture Targeted and Arrest Made
The sculpture targeted was the artist’s large blue and white Porcelain Cube, the spokesperson said. The exhibit’s curator, Arturo Galansino, noted the perpetrator was well-known in the art world. “Unfortunately, I know the author of this inconsiderate gesture from a series of disturbing and damaging episodes over the years involving various exhibitions and institutions in Florence,” said Galansino. The police in Bologna told local media a 57-year old Czech man had been arrested after being stopped by the museum’s security.
- Art Show Title: Who am I?
- Exhibition Duration: Until May 4
- Replacement: Life-size print of the cube
Ai Weiwei worried that no one was hurt and then asked that the remains of the work be covered and taken away. It was not clear how the man had entered the building during the invite-only event on Friday.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.