Ai Weiwei, who has another project at the 2013 Venice Art Biennale, is once again using politics as the subject of a work being displayed at the event. This time he is revisiting a controversy that occurred five years ago. Sadly 5,000 kids died in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake because of shoddy buildings that contained the area's schools. China's government was not happy with Ai Weiwei's quest of uncovering political corruption following the disaster.
For his installation "Straight" (seen above), the artist has recovered 150 tons of steel rebar from the area of the tragic quake. He then straightened the steel, making them look as if they were new. He also arranged them into stacks that form a landscape. It brings more awareness to the tragedy and stands as a metaphor, with Ai Weiwei trying to make right out of the situation.
The artist, has released a lot of work lately. Not too long ago he displayed his installation of 1815 baby milk cans as well as his abrasive work S.A.C.R.E.D. He also unveiled a music video and showed the world his talent of cutting hair (it's pretty baller).
[via Designboom]
