It is safe to say, Ai Weiwei is a fan of sunflowers more than most. Indeed, his installation in the Tate Modern Turbine Hall almost a decade ago of 100 metres of hand painted sunflower seeds is perhaps one of the most prominent horticultural gigs of recent memory. Now, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Weiwei has turned his attention to replicating sunflower seeds in another form – on face masks.
Weiwei, who is currently residing in Cambridge became increasingly frustrated by face mask themed stories. From the US facing accusations of “modern piracy” taking masks meant for Germany, to the UK’s inability to provide sufficient quantities of PPE for their medical staff, Weiwei finds the current situation almost laughable.
Indeed, he notes: “It is such a waste. There is so much argument around the mask. A face mask weighs only three grams but it carries so much state argument about global safety and who has it and who doesn’t have it.”
His response – to print a woodcarving onto a mask and post it on Instagram. Naturally, the art world went wild, and inspired his latest project. Masks can be purchased for the sum of $50 for one, and $1,500 for the full set. The proceeds will fo towards various charities.
According to Weiwei the pandemic is a humanitarian crisis. “It challenges our understanding of the 21st century and warns of dangers ahead. It requires each individual to act, both alone and collectively” he said.
Weiwei moved to Germany in 2015 following 81 days in a Chinese jail and four years under house arrest. He has resided in the UK since last year.
He has been a vocal critic of China’s response to the pandemic, stating that: “When we talk about humanity the most important thing is trust, between people and between nations. Without transparency and trust you cannot play the game. China has been for a long time not trustable. We have all accepted that.
He concluded: “China has been acting in the old military way: everyone who questions them can be a potential enemy.”
