The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León (MUSAC) will host Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote from November 9th, 2024 to May 18th, 2025. The exhibition, curated by Álvaro Rodríguez Fominaya, is one of Ai Weiwei’s most ambitious projects, with 41 works spread over 1,700 square metres.
Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote will explore themes of life, death and political activism, interweaving personal and global narratives. The exhibition will be the first to feature Weiwei’s LEGO paintings, which he likens to ancient mosaics and textile designs. One notable work is a LEGO version of Goya’s El 3 de mayo en Madrid, which incorporates Weiwei’s own portrait.
La Commedia Umana stands over eight metres tall and symbolises the cycle of life and death through its intricate glass design. The exhibition also includes the poignant sculpture Life Cycle, which addresses the refugee crisis with a bamboo boat filled with figures.
Weiwei’s work spans a range of media, from sculptural installations to film, reflecting his fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary issues. His art highlights not only his Chinese heritage, but also his advocacy for human rights and social change. This comprehensive exhibition at MUSAC promises a deep dive into Weiwei’s creative and activist endeavours, offering visitors a profound experience.
The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus, 2023
Courtesy of AI WEIWEI STUDIO
The Third of May, 2023
Courtesy of AI WEIWEI STUDIO
After the death of Marat, 2019
Courtesy of AI WEIWEI STUDIO
Life Cycle, 2008
Courtesy of AI WEIWEI STUDIO
