The monumental chandelier ("Descending Light with A Missing Circle") by Ai Weiwei appears to have fallen to the floor and points to the decay and ruptures of modern society in China. In the 20th century, the colour red, in China traditionally a symbol of luck in all its conflictive facets, became the colour of revolution, progress and political power through the ideology of communism.
The Upper Belvedere is one of the three locations of the exhibition "Ai Weiwei. translocation - transformation" (on show until November 20). In the staircase of the palace the artist has released three creatures into the air to roam. The delicate sculptures were made by hand in the style of traditional Chinese kites. Thin bamboo bars form the frame and are covered with silk. The figures are a representation of the many mythical creatures from the Shanhaijing ("The Classic of Mountains and Seas"), the oldest recorded collection of Chinese mythology. I fell in love with the dragon "Lu 鯥, 2015".
The Österreichische Galerie Belvedere is currently preparing an exhibition of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at the Upper Belvedere. The exhibition will stretch out into the baroque gardens, where the "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads" - an ensemble of bronze heads from the Chinese zodiac - has already been set up.
