32_ In Review
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my old china text_ Joy Weideman
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below left—Chandelier, 2002, crystal and scaffolding 600cm, image courtesy Ai Weiwei and Blenheim Palace
— Ai Weiwei “has a diabolical sense of humour”, a fact pronounced by the mound of hand painted porcelain crabs placed in front of the fireplace in the Red Drawing Room.
Plonked at the edge of the sublimely scenic Cotswolds and boasting an 11,500-acre (46.5-square kilometre) estate, Blenheim Palace is one of the grandest houses in the UK. The ancestral home of the dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace, built in the English Baroque style and of questionable architectural aesthetics, was a gift to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough in 1704 by Queen Anne (and a grateful nation) as reward for one of England’s greatest military victories, the defeat of Louis XIV’s forces at the battle of Blenheim. To some it may seem ironic then that this bastion of English establishment and symbol of military potency should be the venue for the largest ever UK exhibition devoted to the work of Chinese anti-establishment artist, Ai Weiwei.
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A conceptual artist and political activist, Ai has become one of the art world’s most influential figures and something of an international cultural hero. Frequently coming into direct conflict with Chinese authorities through his open criticism of China’s stance on democracy and human rights, he is just as frequently lauded internationally as a champion of the people. Utilising traditional Chinese materials including porcelain and found objects such as Qing Dynasty wooden stools or repurposing ancient treasures like Han dynasty vases, Ai conceptually challenges our relationship with romanticised object adoration. Here, taken out of the stark environs of the white-box gallery space, Ai’s work seems to gain a certain piquancy, contrasted as it is against the backdrop of the opulence of Blenheim. But at times you have to look closely. Some of the work marries so well with
4/02/2015 12:17 pm
Location_ Melbourne, Australia
Designer_ Molecule
Text_ Jan Henderson
photography_ Shannon McGrath
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58. Project
Project_ Escala Partners Offices
dressed for success Elegant and sophisticated, the offices of Escala Partners are more like a club than a place of work. Molecule has delivered a flawless interpretation of its client’s requirements, which has become a home away from home for Escala’s clients and workers alike.
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3/02/2015 11:49 am
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3/02/2015 11:49 am
Location_ Melbourne, Australia
Text_ Gillian Serisier
Photography_ James Geer
Designer_ IF Architecture
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72. Project
Project_ Jardan Showroom
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3/02/2015 11:53 am
Creating the perfect backdrop to explore design options, IF Architecture puts concept and materiality into play for Jardan’s new Melbourne showroom.
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3/02/2015 11:54 am
Location_ Melbourne, Australia
Designer_ PGMD
Text_ Gillian Serisier
Photography_ Earl Carter
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94. Project
Project_ Stokehouse City
pop-up provenance As one icon of Melbourne vanishes another is born. Co-editor Gillian Serisier takes a wander through the latest layer to add richness to Melbourne’s tradition of dining excellence.
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3/02/2015 12:03 pm
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3/02/2015 12:03 pm