@ Large, Ai Weiwei at Alcatraz

The weather was perfect for a bay ferry ride to Alcatraz to see Ai Weiwei's installations last Friday.  It was unseasonally warm for a February. 

We reached Alcatraz after a short ferry ride, and the park ranger gave us the info we needed to see the Ai Weiwei exhibition.  

We watched the video first before seeing the work.  Here are some images taken off the FOR-SITE website and some taken on my IPhone.

"With Wind"

In the New Industries Building were portraits of 176 people from around the world who have been imprisoned or exiled because of their beliefs or affiliations, most of whom were still incarcerated at the time the artwork was made.  The portraits were made using legos.

"Trace"

Through the windows of the narrow hallway was "Refraction"

"Refraction"

Sound installation in 12 cells in Block A
A sound installation occupies a series of twelve cells in A Block. Inside each cell, visitors are invited to sit and listen to spoken words, poetry, and music by people who have been detained for the creative expression of their beliefs, as well as works made under conditions of incarceration.

"Stay Tuned"

All the sounds can be heard here. 


Intrigued by the shapes on the walls.

I saw postcards on this stand and had to ask the docent if this was part of the exhibition.  And, yes it was - postcards could be sent to various dissidents with a binder full of information about each one.  The docents were everywhere and were brilliantly helpful.

"Yours Truly"

visitors moved to send postcards

I sent 3 postcards.  I like the idea that the incarcerated will be remembered.

Next, the hospital ward was transformed with lovely ceramic flowers.

"Blossom"

There is a lot to think about, still processing....
On view through April 26, 2015.  I might need to go again, but at night.