Ai Weiwei's First Solo Exhibition in Spain Opens at MUSAC
In León, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León (MUSAC) has launched its first significant solo exhibition featuring Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, titled 'Ai Weiwei. Don Quixote,' which will be open until May 18, 2025. The showcase includes 42 pieces created over the last two decades, comprising iconic works, previously unseen pieces in Europe, monumental installations, and 19 paintings made with Lego. Curated by Álvaro Rodríguez Fominaya, the exhibition highlights large installations such as 'Commedia Umana' (2017-2021) and 'Life Cycle' (2018). Ai Weiwei's art explores themes of migration, conflict, and environmental challenges, while he emphasizes the significance of protecting free speech and human rights amid protests against artwork destruction.
Key facts
- First major solo exhibition of Ai Weiwei in Spain at MUSAC in León.
- Exhibition runs until May 18, 2025.
- Features 42 works from the last 20 years, including 19 Lego paintings.
- Title 'Ai Weiwei. Don Quixote' references a Lego work inspired by Picasso.
- Ai donated 120 copies of the Lego work to cover installation costs.
- Includes monumental installations: 'Commedia Umana' (8m tall, 2,700 kg), 'Life Cycle' (20m bamboo boat), 'Yuyi' (giant silk rope doll).
- Curated by Álvaro Rodríguez Fominaya, MUSAC director and former Para/Site director.
- Ai Weiwei commented on AI, Trump, and the Dana tragedy in Valencia.
Entities
Artists
- Ai Weiwei
- Ai Quing
- Pablo Picasso
- Francisco Goya
- Leonardo da Vinci
Institutions
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León (MUSAC)
- Para/Site Art Space
- Studio Berengo
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- Museo del Prado
- Studio Ai Weiwei Berlin
- Artribune
Locations
- León
- Spain
- Madrid
- Beijing
- Portugal
- Berlin
- Bologna
- Palazzo Fava
- Venice
- Hong Kong
- United States
- Valencia