Snake Ceiling 2009

Ai Weiwei’s “Snake Ceiling” is made of hundreds of children’s backpacks, and it hangs ominously overhead. Weiwei designed this piece in response to the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake. This work embodies themes of memory, loss, and accountability, deeply entwined with China’s socio-political context. The earthquake exposed corruption within the Chinese government when thousands of children died in collapsed schools due to poorly constructed buildings. The backpacks are a poignant reminder of the young lives lost, as Weiwei transforms everyday objects into a symbol of grief and remembrance. There's an emotional weight, as Weiwei's snake confronts viewers with the aftermath of tragedy and raises questions about accountability and the value of human life. In his work Weiwei often challenges traditional representations of power. This work is no exception as it creates alternative narratives about state responsibility. In “Snake Ceiling,” Weiwei poignantly reflects societal issues. The snake references personal memory, collective trauma, and the role of art in confronting injustice.