Ai Weiwei’s Stacked Furniture Art Upcycles Old Wooden Stool
Laura McQuarrie — May 31, 2013 — Art & Design
References: deutscher-pavillon.org & designboom
‘Bang’ is a stacked furniture art installation created by Ai Weiwei for the Venice Art Biennale 2013. Weiwei’s installation makes a commentary on the artistic and cultural state of China; every household has “at least one stool which serves a range of purposes and that is passed down through each generation,” according to the artist.
Although there are 886 three-legged wooden stools stacked high for the exhibit, this represents a decline in traditional craftsmanship after the cultural revolution. As wood began to be replaced with easily mass-produced materials like metal and plastic, handmade stools were similarly replaced by machine-made ones.
It is staggering to think that all of these stools were meticulously cut, carved and painted by hand. A single old wooden stool may not be anything to stop and think twice about, but this installation sure is.
Photo Credits: designboom, deutscher-pavillon.org
Although there are 886 three-legged wooden stools stacked high for the exhibit, this represents a decline in traditional craftsmanship after the cultural revolution. As wood began to be replaced with easily mass-produced materials like metal and plastic, handmade stools were similarly replaced by machine-made ones.
It is staggering to think that all of these stools were meticulously cut, carved and painted by hand. A single old wooden stool may not be anything to stop and think twice about, but this installation sure is.
Photo Credits: designboom, deutscher-pavillon.org
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Furniture - Upscaling old furniture to create sustainable and unique new pieces presents an opportunity for artisanal-focused disruption.
2. Handcrafted Art Installations - Handmade installations showcase the value and artistry of traditional crafts and can foster appreciation for locally-made and sourced goods.
3. Cultural Commentary Art - Fine art can provide a platform for commentary on cultural traditions and histories, inciting dialogue and reflection.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists and designers can utilize discarded materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces with sustainable and artistic value.
2. Furniture and Home Decor - Furniture makers and upcyclers can capitalize on the growing demand for unique and eco-friendly home decor by offering handmade and upcycled pieces.
3. Cultural Preservation and Heritage - Organizations and initiatives that preserve and promote cultural heritage can benefit from artistic commentary on traditional crafts and practices to raise awareness.
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