Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was released from detention on June 22, but his voice remains limited by the authorities, as are the voices of millions artists worldwide. To call attention to the repression of artistic freedom, the Walker is hosting an event on what would have marked the 100th day of Ai Weiwei’s detention.
The public is invited to take part in the July 12 event, inspired by one of Ai’s works, Fairytale: 1001 Qing Dynasty Wooden Chairs, as a way to acknowledge both Ai and other artists in China and around the world who work under oppressive conditions where artistic freedom is compromised.
Participate:
Visitors can drop off and place chairs on the Hennepin Ave plaza throughout the day on July 12 and can witness the culmination of the event at 6 pm, when Walker director Olga Viso will make brief remarks. Visitors can collect their chairs between 6:15 and 8 pm and unclaimed chairs will be donated to charity. The Walker will offer free gallery admission for the entire day, and galleries will remain open until 6 pm, an hour past its usual closing time.
To make participation easier, you are invited to pull into the designated area at the Vineland loading zone where Walker staff will assist in your dropping off, placing, and picking up of chairs.