Ai Weiwei's first exhibition in Turkey is inspired by historic connections to China

Inspired by the 'Silk Road', between Turkey and China, the latest exhibition by controversial artist Ai Weiwei, entitled 'Ai Weiwei on Porcelain,' will focus on his wide-ranging practice in this medium.

Ai Weiwei, Bicycle Basket with Flowers in Porcelain, 2014

Ai Weiwei, Bicycle Basket with Flowers in Porcelain, 2014

Showcasing an extensive selection of artworks from the artist's oeuvre alongside new works, it will present a narrative informed by his life story and his approach to both the traditions of craftsmanship and art history.

The exhibition will explore the recurrent themes in his work: authenticity, cultural history and the transformation of value systems throughout different eras, while calling the viewers' understanding of these things into question.

Producing replicas is one way in which Weiwei explores the concept of authenticity, by questioning the difference between the copy and the original.

Works on display will show how he adapts the logic of Chinese and Greek pottery decoration, as well as Egyptian wall painting, to reflect on history and provide us with an alternative view of the contemporary world.

Visitors can enjoy over 100 art works spanning more than 40 years of Ai Weiwei's practice. With its wide-ranging and extensive selection of porcelain pieces, the exhibition will offer one of the most unique explorations into this singular artist's work. It's not to be missed.

Ai Weiwei on Porcelain will open at the Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Istanbul, on 12 September 2017, and will run until 28 January 2018.

Main image: Ai Weiwei, Bicycle Basket with Flowers in Porcelain, 2014

Ai Weiwei, Porcelain Rebar, 2015, courtesy Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei, Porcelain Rebar, 2015, courtesy Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Blossom, 2014 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Blossom, 2014 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Blue and White Porcelain Plate (War), 2017 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Blue and White Porcelain Plate (War), 2017 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, 2016 LEGO bricks, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, 2016 LEGO bricks, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei He Xie, 2012 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei He Xie, 2012 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Remains, 2014 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Remains, 2014 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Ruyi, 2012 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Ruyi, 2012 Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Study of Perspective, 1995-2011 Tiananmen Square, 1995 Black-and-white photograph, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Study of Perspective, 1995-2011 Tiananmen Square, 1995 Black-and-white photograph, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds, 2010 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds, 2010 Detail Porcelain, Ai Weiwei Studio

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