Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has always been on the forefront of political causes, and his latest, the “F Lotus” installation at Austria’s Belvedere Museum’s pond, is NO different. When he set up a studio on the Greek Island of Lesbos, Weiwei fully intended to highlight the Syrian refugees plight. His installation is truly brilliant… 201 red, orange and blue rings, each made from a combination of 5 used life jackets, are carefully arranged into the shape of the letter “F”. Floating like lotus blossoms on the museum’s pond, Weiwei hopes to raise awareness for the Syrian refugee crisis that has gripped our world for the past year.
“The life vests draw attention to the uncertain fate of the refugees who wore them, the lotus flower symbolizes purity and longevity, and the F is a reoccurring and provocative motif in Ai’s oeuvre.” says Agnes Husslein-Arco, director of the Belvedere Museum.
We can’t argue that more is more in this case, the 1,005 scattered life vests evoke such a powerful image that you have to pause and take in the deep meaning behind “F Lotus”!
F Lotus on the pond at the park of the Upper Belvedere, part of the Belvedere Museum in Vienna.
Image courtesy of: Stupid Dope
1,005 deflated life vests used by Syrian refugees on their way to the Greek Island of Lesbos were used to create this powerful installation.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
F Lotus is on display through November 20th. Prior to this installation, Weiwei wrapped the columns of a Berlin concert hall with 14,000 life jackets.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen
The amazing Chinese artist has lived between China and the U.S. since his early adult years.
Image courtesy of: Dodge & Burn
