Artlyst considers Ai Weiwei’s work hugely important and we support his endeavour to fight for freedom of speech and artistic expression. So with that in mind we are looking forward to whatever the artist creates out of his lego collection; once Ai has received his complete Lego donation, prepare yourself for another political work of art, one that will probably have something to do with global corporatism and the right to free speech.
On October 23rd, Ai Weiwei posted on Instagram: “In September Lego refused Ai Weiwei Studio’s request for a bulk order of Legos to create artwork to be shown at the National Gallery of Victoria [Australia] as “they cannot approve the use of Legos for political works.”
Now Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam is the official Lego collection point in the Netherlands for the artist’s Lego project. People can donate Lego bricks that will be used towards a large new artwork by the Chinese contemporary artist and activist. The artist has created an international network of ‘Collection Boxes’. As of next week drop-offs of Lego bricks will be accepted though the sunroof of a BMW vehicle located in front of the Foam building at 609 Keizersgracht, Amsterdam.
Lego’s refusal to supply the artist triggered a flood of responses on social media criticising the company for “censorship and discrimination” by refusing Ai’s order. Thousands of anonymous supporters offered to donate their used Legos to the artist. In response Ai Weiwei decided to install collection points for donations of Lego, which he will use to make a new work to defend freedom of speech and ‘political art’.
Foam (609 Keizersgracht) will be the official collection point in Amsterdam for Lego donations as of next week. Drop-offs will be accepted via the sunroof of a BMW vehicle located in front of the building. The car will be a Lego Collection Box. Donations can also be sent by post to the address: 609 Keizersgracht, 1017 DS Amsterdam.
Photo: P A Black © 2015