aixcentric

It’s entitled Ruyi Path after the ceremonial sceptre that symbolises power and good fortune in Chinese history; and the artist has followed the shape of the sceptre for a new pathway that weaves between the trees of the forest at Château La Coste.

Interestingly, it:

• connects two ancient routes on the property
• uses cobbles salvaged from the recently renovated ports of Marseille over which so many people have passed over on arrival in Europe.

In addition, Ai Weiwei is mounting an exhibition Mountains and Seas at Château La Coste that contextualises the Ruyi Path within his practice. The works being exhibited are made using traditional kite-making techniques and employ a wide range of references to Chinese mythology and Ai Weiwei’s own life experiences.

Created just before the summer of 2015, when Ai Weiwei’s passport was returned following his detention and subsequent four years of travel restrictions, the works draw from this turbulent period.