Arcana:

(WEIWEI, AI). Delson, Susan. New York: Prestel Publishing, 2011. First Edition. 4to. Boards in Pictorial Jacket. Artist Monograph. As New/As New. 220pp, 140 color and 15 b&w illustrations. With bibliographies. "Ai Weiwei's "Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads" features twelve large-scale bronze animal heads, each depicting a segment of the ancient Chinese zodiac. As a major work of public art, it is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right. But as this book explains, the origins and motivation behind the piece are as compelling as the work itself. Ai Weiwei based the sculpture on a complex zodiac fountain that was built for an imperial retreat in eighteenth-century China. When the retreat was looted by European soldiers, the fountain's bronze animal heads were stolen - only seven of the twelve are known to survive. By reimagining the work Ai Weiwei confronts uncomfortable truths within Chinese and Western history. This book compares Ai Weiwei's work to the original zodiac heads; features interviews with Ai Weiwei conducted at various periods during the sculpture's development; offers a historical overview of the events surrounding the fountain's looting; and follows the trail of the original heads as they are sold and resold amidst political furor. The book tells the riveting story behind a highly acclaimed piece of modern art, while providing an introduction to one of our generation's most important artists". A brand new, pristine example of a handful of copies of the first edition additionally BOLDLY SIGNED "Ai Weiwei" in black marker on a specially designed "Circle of Animals - Zodiac Heads" printed bookplate affixed to the front pastedown. The celebrated dissident artist and activist had been arrested by Chinese authorities just prior to the 2011 New York installation of this piece, and so unable to travel, agreed to sign a limited number of these for the book's US publication. 3-7913-4636-9 Inventory Number: 024539