With Wind

This spectacular rendition of a traditional Chinese kite is part of @Large, an exhibit of work by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz Island. A vocal critic of the Chinese government, Ai is not allowed to leave China, and planned this exhibit from his studio in Beijing. He will never see the outcome of this vision. The pieces in this show reference Alcatraz's history as a prison while also being commentaries on contemporary oppression and political injustice. The work addresses the situation of people around the world who have been deprived of their freedom for speaking out about their beliefs. One of the messages stenciled on the scales of the dragon is a quote from Weiwei: "Everyone of us is a potential convict."