Ai Weiwei: A Perspective on Two Centuries of Cultural Misunderstandings

Join Dr. Janet Baker, Curator of Asian Art at the Phoenix Art Museum, as she discusses her personal experiences, Ai Weiwei’s career, and the zodiac heads in historical and cross-cultural contexts. Dr. Baker draws upon the time she spent in New York City getting to know many contemporary Chinese artists, including Ai Weiwei.

Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold, currently on display in the Feature Gallery North, engages issues of looting, repatriation, and cultural heritage while expanding upon ongoing themes in Ai’s work of the fake and copy in relation to the original.  Dr. Baker’s lecture brings the zodiac head to life by providing her unique insights into the complex cultural relationships in the East and the role of Ai Weiwei’s social activism.