Ai Weiwei at Le Bon Marché
Even if you can’t make it to Paris before the end of the month, I wanted to share images of Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei‘s latest (temporary) installation, Er Xi at Le Bon Marché department store in Paris. I knew it would be beautiful, but I didn’t expect the sense of joy and childlike wonder that came over me as I started to look up at the world above me. Er Xi means “Child’s Play” as the 22 mystical animals come to life overhead.
If you speak French, Le Bon Marché offers guided visits on Thursday afternoons (reservations required). Don’t miss the windows outside as well (not pictured here, because I missed them). The installation is up until February 20th. Ai Weiwei has a fascinating background, spending his childhood in exile. I would have loved to have seen his installation on Alcatraz, which was more colorful.
Le Bon Marché
24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Metro: Sevres-Babylone
Marina - Imaginibus
February 16, 2016 at 2:54 pm //
Thank you for sharing these photos! I’m so bummed to miss this installation… I can only imagine the sense of joy and wonder you felt!
Laetitia
February 22, 2016 at 7:44 pm //
I love these! Won’t get to see the installation either unfortunately. Kinda wish they were done on more colourful paper so they would pop more on pics but bet it’s awesome in person! Thanks for sharing.