Amidst the buzz of London’s Piccadilly Circus, CIRCA has become a centerpiece attraction slowing locals and tourists in their tracks. The culture platform has consistently partnered with numerous established and rising figures, from Shirin Neshat to Olaolu Slawn, who are tasked with lighting up the roundabouts giant LED billboard with poignant artistic messages surrounding social and political events.
Legendary artist, activist and Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei is the latest to join the list and he’s taking on a force with the same letters as his first name. It was only a matter of time until Weiwei, known for his unapologetic stances on social affairs, to voice his thoughts surrounding artificial intelligence’s divisive integration within the arts.
Ongoing now until March 31, Weiwei is posing 81 questions over 81 days regarding AI, chosen to parallel the number of days he once spent in a Chinese prison. “In our current epoch, characterized by its complexity and multifaceted nature, the confluence of our knowns and unknowns presents the need for us to reframe our inquiries in a rejuvenated manner,” said the artist in a statement. “This is a period abundant with questions; never before has humanity grappled with a state of tumult and bewilderment to this extent.”
The installation is the first of four actiavations with Weiwei, starting with London and appearing everyday at 20:24 local time (5:24) until closing date. To coincide with the installation, the artist worked with CIRCA to release 81 different prints spanning the questions he’s posed that come signed, numbered and limited to an edition of 81.
