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Ai Weiwei — Coloured vases (in 3 parts)
Ai Weiwei

Coloured vases (in 3 parts)

Three ancient Chinese Han dynasty urns are coated in bold, uniform layers of industrial paint, their vibrant contemporary hues standing in stark contrast to their archaeological origins. Ai Weiwei's intervention challenges notions of cultural heritage, authenticity, and value by simultaneously preserving and desecrating objects of historical significance. The work provokes questions about the tension between tradition and modernity, and the authority to define what is considered sacred or disposable within cultural memory.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Art Evening Sale

February 12, 2015

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Ai Weiwei, Coloured vases (in 3 parts)

Three ancient Chinese Han dynasty urns are coated in bold, uniform layers of industrial paint, their vibrant contemporary hues standing in stark contrast to their archaeological origins. Ai Weiwei's intervention challenges notions of cultural heritage, authenticity, and value by simultaneously preserving and desecrating objects of historical significance. The work provokes questions about the tension between tradition and modernity, and the authority to define what is considered sacred or disposable within cultural memory.

Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Cultural Commentary, Vessel Form, Male Artist, Triptych Format, Chinese Artist, Conceptual Art, Readymade, Contemporary Artist, Installation Art, Provocative, Contemporary Art, Political Art, Triptych, Ceramic Vessels, Ancient Artifacts, Vibrant Colors, Internationally Renowned

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Collected by

Sarah Greenspan