Ai Weiwei in Conversation at The National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria confirmed today that Ai Weiwei, artist, activist and one of the world’s most significant contemporary artists, will travel to Melbourne for the opening of the NGV’s major world-first exhibition Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, which has been developed by the NGV in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh and Ai Weiwei.

In a major NGV public event, Ai Weiwei will appear in conversation with ABC TV journalist and presenter Virginia Trioli on Monday 7 December, 6.30pm at NGV International. Tickets will go on sale 10am Wednesday 2nd December, with an NGV members’ presale opening 10am the day prior.

The NGV’s Summer blockbuster Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei will explore the mutual conceptual interests of Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei. More than 300 works will be presented, including rare and never-seen-before works by Andy Warhol, new commissions by Ai Weiwei, immersive installations and a wide representation of painting, sculpture, film, photography, music, publishing and social media.

One of China’s most provocative artists, Ai has become a cultural figure of note, his work encompassing diverse fields including visual art, architecture, cultural criticism, social media and activism. Ai’s work addresses some of the most critical global issues of the early twenty-first century, including the relationship between tradition and modernity, the role of the individual and the state, questions of human rights, and the value of freedom of expression.

Ai Weiwei in Conversation will explore Ai’s artistic and philosophical approaches – from engaging with media and communications through constant documentation, to the creativity of the artist’s studio and artistic production. The conversation will also explore parallels in the work of Ai and Andy Warhol – the subject of the exhibition Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei, such as shared motifs in their work, their engagement with the readymade, the relationships between art, politics, economy and celebrity; and the documentation of contemporary society and everyday life.

Ai will present several new major installations for Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei developed especially for the exhibition including floating works which will respond to Andy Warhol’s Silver Clouds 1966 and Cow Wallpaper 1966. Other commissions include a five metre-tall work from Ai’s chandelier series of crystal and light; Forever Bicycles 2015, composed of more than 1800 bicycles marking the entrance of the exhibition; and Blossom, a spectacular new installation in the form of a bed of thousands of delicate white porcelain flowers.

NGV MEMBERS PRESALE: 10am Tuesday 1st December

GENERAL SALE: 10am Wednesday 2nd December

Tickets on sale at ngv.vic.gov.au

Ai Weiwei in Conversation with Virginia Trioli

Date: 6.30pm – 7.30pm, doors open 6pm, Monday 7 December 2015

Venue: NGV International

Ticket prices: $50 Adult / $40 Member / $45 Concession