Ai Weiwei – Coca-Cola Vase

Murano glass sculpture by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei titled “Coca-Cola Vase”. These sculptures are cast in translucent Murano glass using an iron mould, and represent a new turning point in the artist’s ongoing thoughts on commercialisation, repetition, and iconography. One of 100 limited editions from 2024. Engraved signature and number on base. Comes with a hand-signed COA by the artist. These vases symbolise a dialogue between the old and the new. In their presentation, Ai Weiwei invites us to reflect on preserving traditions in an increasingly globalised world and reconsider the cultural and material value of everyday objects. These works are reminiscent of Ai Weiwei painting a “Coca-Cola” logo on irreplaceable ancient urns from the Chinese Han Dynasty. With these pieces, the artist challenges our perceptions of the worth of our living environment by contrasting ancient and artisanal skills with new mass production. Ai Weiwei has previously used traditional Chinese pottery on numerous occasions. Another notable example was the famous “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn” from 1995. In this performance for camera, Weiwei is shown dropping and smashing a 2,000-year-old ceremonial urn, stating that “It’s powerful only because someone thinks it’s powerful and invests value in the object.” Overall size: Dia20.5 × H22 cm Available in the following colours: Black White Yellow Blue Green Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist, activist, and cultural critic. He is recognised internationally for his thought-provoking artworks, provocative political activism, and unwavering commitment to promoting freedom of expression and human rights. Opening his criticism of the Chinese government, Ai Weiwei was famously detained for months in 2011, then released to house arrest. “I don’t see myself as a dissident artist,” he says. “I see them as a dissident government!”. His works often explore social and political themes, challenging the established power structures and shedding light on issues such as censorship, government surveillance, migration, and environmental crises.