Lot 9
Forever (Stainless Steel Bicycles in Silvery), 3 Pairs 8 Layers, 2013
Stainless steel bicycles
124.9 x 111.3 x 81.8 in (317.3 x 282.8 x 207.7 cm)
Edition 1 of 1 + 1AP
Ai Weiwei
B. 1957, Beijing, China
“Human beings are part of nature, but unfortunately human beings are the main factor that harms the natural environment for survival. To protect the environment is to be responsible for self-protection.”
- Ai Weiwei
Situated at the crossroads of art making, activism, and curation, Ai Weiwei is world renowned for his conceptual work. Ai is an outspoken critic of the Chinese government and is the creator of multidisciplinary projects highlighting the conversation between Chinese thought and the outside contemporary world. The son of a famous Chinese poet who was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution, Ai’s own actions have led to him being secretly detained without charge and subject to brutal beatings, house arrest, and constant surveillance. His unorthodox and provocative art is layered in its reliance on social engagement as a means to expand the framework of art itself.
Forever (Stainless Steel Bicycles in Silvery), 3 Pairs 8 Layers is one in a series of
Forever installations that consists of a collection of bicycles transformed into a witty, colossal installation which intends to recontextualize the function of a familiar object. Its carousel-like format also playfully raises questions about continuity and change, tradition and revolution. In rapidly changing economies, what dimensions of daily life can be expected to last ‘forever’? The bicycles are reminiscent of the Forever brand, a Shanghaibased bicycle company whose products were popular throughout China during Ai’s childhood, but remained inaccessible to a large part of the population because of systemic poverty. The sculpture uses bicycles, which are usually a utilitarian and universal mode of transport, as a symbol of income inequality. The seemingly infinite weave of wheels also acts as a background to a globally pervasive and highly individualistic car culture. At the same time, Forever attempts to ‘best’ Ai’s historical idol Marcel Duchamp, whose bicycle wheel readymade changed art history permanently. Ai’s work has been profoundly influenced by Duchamp, not only in his use of found objects but also in his predilection for provocation and iconoclasm.
Bicycles are a common motif within Ai’s work, growing more grandiose with every installation.
Very Yao (2008) marks his first use of the everyday object as 150 bicycles were suspended in a circuitous fashion. This work memorializes Yang Jia, a Beijing resident arrested for stealing a bike in 2007, and subsequently an outspoken critic of the police brutality he faced. He was later executed for murdering six Shanghai police officers, though widespread support for his speaking out against governmental injustice remains. The motionless bicycles mirror the entrenchment of a society bounded to government oversight and the uniformity of the work contrasts with anti-establishment themes, which serves to remind viewers of the unwavering power of the collective.
Courtesy of the artist
Fair Market Value: $730,000
This work may be displayed outdoors.
Note: The Artist requests that the winning bidder not sell or transfer the Artwork for a five (5) year period without the Artist’s advance written consent.
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Dimensions:
- 124.9 x 111.3 x 81.8 in(317.3 x 282.8 x 207.7 cm) Artist Name:
- Ai Weiwei Medium:
- Stainless steel bicycles Circa:
- 2013 Notes:
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Note that first image shows 7-layer version of work for reference. Auction lot contains 8 layers.
Second image:
Ai Weiwei
Forever Bicycles, 2014
Installation view at the Palazzo Franchetti in Venice, 2014
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19,999 | $2,000 |
| $20,000 | $24,999 | $2,500 |
| $25,000 | $49,999 | $5,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $7,500 |
| $100,000 | $149,999 | $10,000 |
| $150,000 | $199,999 | $15,000 |
| $200,000 | $249,999 | $20,000 |
| $250,000 | $299,999 | $25,000 |
| $300,000 | $349,999 | $30,000 |
| $350,000 | $399,999 | $35,000 |
| $400,000 | $449,999 | $40,000 |
| $450,000 | $499,999 | $45,000 |
| $500,000 | $749,999 | $50,000 |
| $750,000 | $999,999 | $75,000 |
| $1,000,000 + | $100,000 |