Chinese artist at Langelinie

As an anchorman in the first Chinese avant-garde-movement, Ai Weiwei was one of the founders of the art-group ‘Stars’ in 1978 and he is often referred to as the Andy Warhol of China. He might just be the biggest and internationally most recognized contemporary Chinese artist.

Ai Weiwei is born in Beijing, 1957.

His art often leans on the utopian ambitions of a ’brave new world’ of constructivism. With his physical components and impressive architectural projects that seek to match this brave new world, he creates subtly political pieces, which take a critical stand towards the radical changes presently taking place in China.

Recent work: 2008, Bird’s Nest, Beijing. Ai Weiwei was the artistic consultant for design, collaborating with the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron.

Please find more references under Biography for Ai Weiwei.

Cultural exchange

The temporary relocation of the Little Mermaid is part of a cultural exchange between Denmark and China. During the Little Mermaid’s stay in Shanghai, a work of art by one of China's most recognised artists will be displayed instead.

Thursday March 12, the City Council of Copenhagen gave approval on the Little Mermaid’s temporary exhibition in the Danish pavilion during the EXPO 2010 Shanghai.

The compilation of the Chinese work is funded by the New Carlsberg Foundation, who also curated the selection of the Chinese artist.

The work of Ai Weiwei will be created on the basis of the following requirements:

-          The work of art must be suitable for, and be accessible to everyone – day and night.

-          The work must be site-specific, witch means that it must relate to its placement on Langelinie in Denmark as a substitute for the Little Mermaid.

-          The work must reflect China, as it constitutes a part of the meeting of cultures between China and Denmark.

-          The work must be available for display on Langelinie between 15 April and 15 November 2010.

The Little Mermaid’s return trip, erection and dismantling will be monitored thoroughly by representatives of the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority and the City of Copenhagen.