Exhibition Opening and Incident
During the opening of an exhibition at the Palazzo Fava in Bologna, featuring the controversial Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, a sculpture by the artist was destroyed. The exhibit, titled Who am I?, opened on Saturday, showcasing Ai’s work, including the Porcelain Cube, which was shattered during the event.
Artworks on Display
The exhibition displayed several of Ai’s iconic pieces, including a burnt-out impression of his sunflower seeds, steel droplets, and real, hollowed-out human bones. Visitors experienced an immersive view of his famous sunflower seeds, strewn across a large room like a futuristic beach.
Footage and Social Media Reaction
Footage of the destructive act was captured by CCTV. The video shows the culprit, Vaclav Pisvejc, climbing onto the plinth and violently pushing the Porcelain Cube, shattering it. Ai Weiwei shared the footage on Instagram, drawing attention to the incident.
Vandal’s Identity and History
The perpetrator, identified as 67-year-old Vaclav Pisvejc from the Czech Republic, is a repeat offender. Known for previous acts of vandalism, including an attack on Marina Abramović in 2018, Pisvejc was detained by museum security and later arrested. He faces charges of “destruction, dispersion, deterioration, defacement, soiling, and illicit use of cultural or landscape assets.”
Response from Curator and Ai Weiwei
Arturo Galansino, curator of the exhibition, expressed his disappointment, noting Pisvejc’s involvement in multiple damaging actions linked to various exhibitions in Florence. Ai Weiwei, though saddened, emphasized his concern for the perpetrator’s safety.
Exhibition Continues
Despite the incident, the exhibition Who am I? remains open to the public and will continue until May of next year. The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Ai Weiwei’s career as both an artist and activist.
