The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego has announced a 24-hour protest to call for the release of detained Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
Beginning at 11 AM on Thursday, May 19 and continuing through 11 AM on Friday, May 20, volunteer participants will occupy two traditionally styled Chinese chairs for one-hour periods. This 24-hour sit-in references Ai Weiwei’s sculpture series, Marble Chair, two of which are currently on view in the Museum’s exhibition, Prospect 2011. These impressive yet haunting marble sculptures were acquired on May 11 by the Museum’s International and Contemporary Collectors.
Internationally acclaimed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was detained April 3 at the Beijing airport as he attempted to board a flight to Hong Kong. MCASD has stood alongside members of the international art community in voicing its disapproval and encouraging action from members, the community and the government to call for the artist’s release. Although his wife has been allowed to visit him, he has not released and his future is very much in doubt.
Hugh Davies, the David C. Copley Director and CEO considers the silent protest a way to express the Museum’s support of the artist, whose Beijing studio Museum supporters visited just months before Ai’s detention.
Members of the community are invited to participate by offering an hour of their time to sit in the replica chairs during the 24-hour demonstration. Volunteers can RSVP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcasd or by emailing mdaniels@mcasd.org with the subject line “Sitting in Solidarity,”and will be contacted to confirm a time.
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