Fairytale Chairs 2007

Curator: We are looking at "Fairytale Chairs," created in 2007 by Ai Weiwei. The work consists of five wooden chairs placed in a row. Editor: There is something strikingly simple yet forlorn about this setup. Their static arrangement seems to beckon, almost as if participants are missing. The texture and grain of the wood give each chair a unique character. Curator: Ai Weiwei is known for repurposing antiques, dismantling them, and then reconstructing them in a novel way. Each chair appears to be crafted using elements of classical Chinese furniture. What is intriguing here is how they retain certain archaic designs that serve both practical and symbolic purposes. Editor: Knowing about Ai Weiwei's other works makes me think about the traditional craftsmanship behind these pieces. Considering the labour involved—from logging the trees to intricate carving—and juxtaposing that with modern means of mass production, it opens up questions of value. Also, the repetitive aspect of them all being very similarly created from the same raw material. It lends a certain gravitas. Curator: Precisely! The arrangement of chairs against a neutral backdrop focuses attention on the sculptural forms themselves. You cannot miss the variations within the basic chair design. Their placement forms a sort of rhythm, a progression, and the shadows created give an additional layer of depth to the tableau. Editor: There is an implicit cultural criticism woven into the materiality of these "Fairytale Chairs," an interrogation of the production and consumption of Chinese heritage in a global context. Curator: In conclusion, the artist masterfully prompts dialogue between past and present. Each chair, with its distinctive material composition, is a study in historical form, reminding us of an artistic heritage facing contemporary issues. Editor: Yes, through his method, Ai Weiwei transforms traditional crafts into tools for thought, prompting contemplation regarding society. The texture invites exploration into understanding what they mean to the broader social sphere of consumption and labour today.