Ai Weiwei’s Forever Bicycles Reconfigured Using 3,144 Bikes in Toronto

As part of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche in Toronto this weekend, an enormous reconfiguration of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s Forever Bicycles (previously here and here) was unveiled in the center of Nathan Phillips Square. The installation dominates the outdoor space, measuring 100 feet long by 30 feet wide and consists of some 3,144 bicycles, resulting in so much depth and volume the piece almost appears blurred. Via Scotiabank Nuit Blanche:

World-renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei will exhibit a new edition of his Forever Bicycles sculpture in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square. 3,144 interconnected bicycles will form a three-dimensional structure creating an incredible visual effect.

Yong Jiu, literally translated as “forever,” is the foremost bicycle brand in China; Ai re-interprets such everyday found objects in an abstract and symbolic way.

The sheer quantity of bikes and the diverse perceptions of viewing points create a colossal labyrinth-like, visually moving space, which represents the changing social environment in China and around the globe.

 

Source: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/10/forever-bicycles-ai-weiwei-toronto/