acconci studio + ai weiwei: a collaborative project

acconci studio + ai weiwei: a collaborative project para/site art space, hong kong on now until july 4th, 2010

para/site art space presents a collaborative new project by new york-based acconci studio (vito acconci) and china-based ai weiwei. this is the first occasion in which the two have created a work together, and the art institution invited them to use hong kong as the background of this experience.

ai weiwei and vito acconci image courtesy of para/site art space

the exhibition engages acconci studio and ai weiwei, who have parallel trajectories, both having started with an interest in performance before moving onto architecture. these ‘touching points’ in both of them has acted as common ground to develop a new body of works. never having previously met, although they mutually admire one another’s work, the creative process became a kind of ‘blind date’ for them. their end project transforms the gallery space into a 3D grid, where both studios have developed a ‘work in progress’. the installation is in constant mutation and accumulation throughout the duration of the show, which is the result of an ongoing discussion between ai weiwei, vito acconci and their studios. the multi-layered installation defies orthodox definitions and approaches. it includes a 12 channel sound installation designed by acconci studio, 128 photographs selected / shot by ai weiwei, architectural models and texts.

vito acconci and ai weiwei discussing their collaboration image courtesy of para / site art space

image courtesy of para / site art space

ai weiwei and vito acconci walking through the streets of hong kong image courtesy of para / site art space

image courtesy of para / site art space

ai weiwei exploring hong kong image courtesy of para / site art space

‘the collaboration with vito acconci at para/site art space is an effort in figuring out ways to collaborate, ways (of) defining the actual process of working together. through the development of a gallery project, we are to rethink the formation of a city.’ – ai weiwei

installation view at para/site art space image courtesy of para / site art space

installation view at para/site art space image courtesy of para / site art space

one of the models on show image courtesy of para / site art space

vito acconci was born in new york in 1940. he began writing poetry in the 60s and founded ‘0 to 9’ magazine in 1967. during the 70s, his work explored the use of public space in order to search for a wider social context. he is considered one of the pioneers of installation, performance, video art. in 1988 he founded acconci studio, an architectural practice of architects and artists working under a similar framework. today his studio works towards the development of public commissions constructing a critique of architecture and public space.

ai weiwei was born in beijing in 1957. considered one of the most influential artists from his generation, he has engaged in a range of disciplines: architecture, curating, design, writing and publishing. he currently also operate with FAKE design, his own company and working team. his recent political activism within china has made him a household name.