Forever (Bicycles) 2003

Ai Weiwei's "Forever (Bicycles)" from 2003 is a large-scale installation art piece that consists of dozens of bicycles stacked in a seemingly chaotic yet balanced configuration. This work is a signature example of Ai Weiwei's use of everyday objects to challenge political and societal structures. It is understood by some as a representation of the overwhelming scale of China's population, while others see it as a reflection of the relentless pursuit of progress in modern society. The bicycles, a common mode of transportation in China, are assembled in a way that alludes to the complex and ever-evolving nature of the nation's social and economic landscape.