VanhaerentsArtCollection

CURRENT PRESENTATION!

VIEWING DEPOT EXH#03 – Year of the Dragon

Opening on 24 April at the Vanhaerents Art Collection in Brussels, EXH#03 is the third major presentation, highlighting recent acquisitions and seminal works from the collection, all in the unique setting of a viewing depot. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese calendar and astrology, this 2024 exhibition aptly finds its thematic core in the zodiac sign of the dragon, symbolising creativity, curiosity, confidence and generosity. Associative in nature, EXH#03 brings together large-scale works that fuse aesthetic innovation with emotional directness and intensity. One of the focal points in the exhibition, spanning the full three floors of the Vanhaerents Art Collection, is Ai Weiwei’s haunting installation Life Vest Snake (2019), which seamlessly intertwines traditional Eastern iconography with poignant reflections on the contemporary refugee crisis.

What are the traits of a Dragon?

According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Dragon are charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful and they are naturally lucky and gifted. They approach every task with a commitment to excellence, setting high standards for themselves in all endeavors.

Artist Ai Weiwei, named the most powerful figure in the art world by Art Review magazine in 2011, showcases his profound activism through a striking installation from 2016. His monumental 22-meter-long snake, suspended from the ceiling, was crafted from 140 life jackets worn by refugees who navigated the perilous waters of the Mediterranean Sea to reach the Greek island of Lesbos. Witnessing a vast mound of discarded life jackets on the island’s shores, resembling the sloughed skin of a serpent, Ai Weiwei transformed these life vests into poignant installations, symbolizing solidarity with those seeking refuge.

A tireless advocate, Ai Weiwei has consistently challenged China’s political establishment, earning him the government’s scrutiny and condemnation. His unwavering activism led to his detention by Chinese authorities for nearly three months in 2011. Despite facing adversity, Ai Weiwei continues to courageously use his art to amplify the voices of the marginalized.

The artworks featured in the exhibition Viewing Depot #3 – Year of the Dragon delve into themes of oppression, the deprivation of freedom, and the erosion of individuality. Each artist brings a unique perspective to these subjects.