Ai Weiwei’s sculpture series, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads (2010), has been seen in prestigious venues all over the world, from Somerset House in London to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. But the imposing sculpted beasts may feel more at home in their next exhibition venue: the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (9 May-11 October). The 12 bronze animal heads, which represent the traditional Chinese zodiac, will take pride of place along the museum’s alfresco sculpture trail, says ABC News. According to the museum website, the three-quarter-mile trail “places sculpture against the striking Gros Ventre Mountain Range backdrop, overlooking the National Elk Refuge”. Ai remains under house arrest in Beijing but he will, no doubt, savour this meeting of imaginary animals (we're keen on Ai's rabbit and rooster) with real ones.
Meanwhile Ai’s mammoth Iron Tree (2013) is making its way to the Frederik Meijier Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The sculpture, which is more than 22 feet tall, is the largest outdoor sculpture Ai has ever made. It is made of 99 iron pieces cast from trees from southern China and is held together with oversize stainless steel bolts. The piece will be dedicated on 20 April and a lecture on the artist will be given by Joseph Becherer, the institution’s chief curator and vice president.
