Ai Weiwei: Sunflower Seeds at Tate Modern, London

[darinsargent25]

I want this video on my 923SH phone.

[flakfanatic]

To imagine all these seeds are now in one small pile...

[TheCherryBomber1]

is this exhibition still on? i'm going to the tate on saturday and i'd love to see this x

[henrichy0205yt]

@TheCherryBomber1 No, the current exhibition is Tacita Dean: FILM.

[Hatta1Hatta]

62500 семечки на каждого помошника

[HariVIyer]

how do they prevent people from walking out with seeds?

[PenileFracture]

After going to numerous contemporary art museums, I have concluded: When you fill a big room up with any kind of crap, it is entitled to be called 'art'. We, as the audience, will then convince ourselves that the 'artwork' has some kind of intention or message behind it, because 'artists' obviously know more than we do.

[FishingtonBurpPuzzle]

In my opinion the longer the lecture the more tenuous the artwork. However it was just enough for me to become interested in what is happening. It is a major work which shifts our global consciousness and our preconcieved ideas on manufacture and amazingly detailed as well as vast. The sunflower seeds are all lovingly crafted on an individual scale. That has knocked me out for the last four weeks.

[Muckydoggy1]

It's stupid that because of the dust from the porcelain, we can't enjoy it for what it was meant to be... As an asthmatic, I would gladly put my lungs on the line just to experience this...

[redfox1997]

Ai WeiWei T-shirts, etc. for sale: Search "Who's Afraid of Ai WeiWei" with Google, and enter the fb album that displays the products.

[pavelow235]

Waste of seeds

[GR530]

@pavelow235 They are not real seeds, they are individually made porcelain replica's.. Thats part of the message they are meant to send and clearly ur not getting that message.

[DaneDuncan]

I am launching a community based Art force of nature, bent on the freedom of creative expression & Ai Weiwei. It's called THE CHINESE WHISPER PROJECT - look on wordpress and twitter. (Can't post links) Help to pass it on.

Currently seeking artists in the London area for journey of inspiration across media, using the five elements as a whisper of stimulation. Pass it on.

[Vagabundaxluz]

to be done with all the seeds after the installation?

[mirabilo]

My favourite Turnbine Hall 'installation' was the big sun from a few years back. Remember that one?

[henrichy0205yt]

@mirabilo yes, I didn't see it myself, but saw images. Fantastic.

[propjam2]

I hope they lock up tracy emin and daemon hurst if they go to china.

[AnaLimaLuiza]

Ai Weiwei is in prison for political reasons in China.

[sundial2046]

In response to the possibility of painting a million porcelain seeds, yes of course it is possible in China. We are talking about exploitation here and the Chinese are the most skilled craftsmen with least questions asked. Ai Weiwei is a good artist? or is he just a clever provocateur.

[AnaLimaLuiza]

@sundial2046 he is a political activist and is in prison now. It is more than a month he is detained.

Please, before accusing, search.

[VertigaDesignMEDIA]

a child dancing on top of these seeds brings hope.

[globetrekkerboon]

WOW AT THE SHOE @1:52! anyone knows the brand?

[FultonCounty404]

yes.. FREE Weiwei

Donate at indiegogo com FREE-WEIWEI

[haiboriver]

where are these sonflower seeds made in?prob some sweat shop working over time with couple of low wage workers jumping off the high rise plant as the only way to get suicide bonus? or are they made in some joint venture cooperated by Chinese bureaucratic biz officals and US flag saluting tycoon entrepreneurs?

[MareeAriel]

@haiboriver They were made by porcelain artists in Jingdezhen. Do your research instead of spouting off ignorance.

[balletjesse]

I miss him。。

[backpain100]

great art makes you think

[lucius215]

I wonder if the Number is still complete, have they done a recount yet? :)

[caseyforever]

i wonder how many people pocketed one!?!? (i would) : )

juuust one though. geez.

[MrFrankBullitt]

"Ceci n'est pas une sunflower seed"

[imaginenoreligion]

How much did this waste of time cost? It took 1,600 people two and a half years to make the seeds.. or 50 human lifetimes. This makes me angry!

[gaelicwolf]

@imaginenoreligion That's probably how much time a lot of people are going to spend in their life doing stupid crap like haunting Facebook. Why would it make you angry that a lot of people wanted to dedicate their time to creating something of worth and beauty, because they wanted people to stop and think?

[Geoffwoodify]

we will miss you

[gyeung23]

I laugh at all the comments below who say that it is "waste of time/resources" because if you watch the story of how they were made, you will understand how this actually HELPED the city of Jingdezhen and the over 1600 people who were employed and paid for their artisan skills.

[DjTibson]

such a waste of time and resources...

[yerk3]

@DjTibson What should they have done instead? You realize that you're posting this on Youtube, an activity that can, by purely utilitarian standards, be considered a massive waste of time and resources?

[kissiebooashes]

@DjTibson Not if you really think about it. These were all handmade by artists in China, a place where art and humanity is supressed. It is a playful concept that expresses a collectiveness that still thrives despite communist ideals and a lack of social networking. It's a message in the form of tiny sunflower seeds. But I'm sure you don't give much thought to the concept of art. You probably think that all art is a waste of time and resources. What a pity.

[casimiromondino]

I think that it's time to start a deep reflection about this activities, if are classified as art are ridiculous, as entertainment are not interesting at all. Every body as the right to play around but transforming a joke in a news it's ridiculous. Absolutely

[YouNeedToHearThis]

Does anybody else realize how IMPOSSIBLE it would be to "individually hand make" 100 MILLION of ANYTHING? I believe there are indeed 100 million seeds there, but no way did he make each one individually by hand.

[henrichy0205yt]

@YouNeedToHearThis they were handcrafted by skilled artisans in the city of Jingdezhen.

[YouNeedToHearThis]

@henrichy0205yt I checked out another video on the process of making them. 1600 people were involved in the process, and they were made using molds that could produce about 20 each. They WERE all hand painted, which is quite amazing...

[aguarras21]

@YouNeedToHearThis where can i see how they did those seeds

[jpapare]

@aguarras21 There is a 14 minute video on youtube which shows the seeds in production. Just goto Ai Wei Wei on YouTube.

[Nottinghill2010]

@henrichy0205yt

What a waste of fucking effort. Just look around and ask if this is not a little indulgent and whether this effort could be put to better use?

[crock703]

@Nottinghill2010 - The seeds were crafted by skilled porcelain artists in Jingdezhen city. The did it like any other commission, were paid and supported their families with it. Maybe it was wasteful of Tate to spend the money on this commission, but hey.. they have an allotted amount of arts funding from the govt I assume, and a big portion that comes from individual donors. I don't know anything about the funding though.. maybe Ai WeiWei paid for it himself, or Chinese billionaire patrons, etc

[PhantomAct]

@YouNeedToHearThis each seed is labelled "made in china" ...i'm sure they got a sweat shop village to do it... and the workers got really pissed.

[yerk3]

@PhantomAct Actually, the seed were created by villagers in what used to be the imperial porcelain workshop. The villagers were paid fairly, and it actually improved the economy of the village.

[molinobeer]

@YouNeedToHearThis

There are 6 billion persons in the world, each one took far more work to make than this sunflower seeds.

Also, a random thing that occurred me is that a parrot would go crazy in there.

[wasteofpaint27]

@YouNeedToHearThis they are made in a mold then hand painted

[Gav8891]

@YouNeedToHearThis It is only because of today's 'production-line' orientated society that you think that way. That is exactly what this installation is trying to evoke, the idea that not everything need be a carbon copy, made to adhere to its predecessor. Try thinking out of the box for a minute. FREE AI WEIWEI.

[Gav8891]

I THINK SOME PEOPLE NEED TO ACTUALLY WATCH THE VIDEO OR AT LEAST RESEARCH INTO 'SUNFLOWER SEEDS' BEFORE ASSUMING! FREE AI WEIWEI.

[galas062]

@Gav8891

? what do you mean?

[AnaLimaLuiza]

@YouNeedToHearThis He didn't do them all. From where did you get this information?

"Although they look identical from a distance, every seed is different and handcrafted by skilled artisans. Sunflower Seeds is the largest work Ai Weiwei has made using porcelain, one of China's most prized exports. "

It's at the description of the video.

[GR530]

@YouNeedToHearThis search for BBC's film about Ai, it shows the process of making them

[manyparticle]

@YouNeedToHearThis

He hired 1600+ people

[markandrach]

people who say this is not art,are discussing it and forming an opinion.therefor they have contradicted themselfs.it then becomes art

[TheUncleBastard]

R. Mutt

[MixMeAdrink]

It's symbolic. 

[bente1958]

so NOT fair that you can't touch them - I went today and was so disappointed. Itching to pick up a handful from the edge. But also very impressive to just look. One guy had to show off for his mates and ran the length of the hall - then got escorted back by security guards. Not sure what they can do though ??

[henrichy0205yt]

@bente1958 yes, it's really sad that one is not allowed to walk on them and touch them, because it's a totally different experience.

[AnaLimaLuiza]

@henrichy0205yt Yes. so sad. It would be great to see the seeds turn into dust by the time the exhibition is over.

And, of course, easier to clean.

[Zaidmolina]

that sucks , is not art

[Amelialcpoon]

You can pick them up but not to walk on them. It is an amazing show.

[florybmw1]

they should have washed them and put them back for people to roll over them. now that i know that i can't step on them, i won't go anymore

[angelicfruitcakekema]

i have a seed :P

[Aideentv]

Ai WeiWei pure loves his phone.

[crypticcurls]

Are you still allowed to walk on them/pick them up? I thought you weren't any more due to ridiculous health and safety reasons...

[henrichy0205yt]

@crypticcurls No, they had to stop it. On the Tate Modern Website it says: "Update: Friday 22 October 2010...It is no longer possible to walk on the surface of the work, but visitors can walk close to the edges of the sunflower seed landscape on the west and north sides."

[beaubolieu]

@henrichy0205yt here's another reason why. people have been stealing from the work for their own petty gain. just search "ai weiwei sunflower seed" on ebay...

[Harry5924]

pretty sure this is showing how cheap labour is in china. look what i can do for 20 bucks..

[silverbassboy]

The idea behind this is that in communist ruled China, chairman Mao always represents himself in paintings as the sun and all the sun flowers and the seeds within them are 'his' people, following him and being loyal. By making the seeds out of porcelain, he is saying that they are cold and dead, and that they will never become what they have the potential to be. This is a metaphor for the citizens of China, surpressed by a government persisting on permanent control.

[cavalrycome]

@silverbassboy Had it been made by an American, it could be interpreted as demonstrating the fertility of a free market system that encourages efficient mass production. We could make this piece mean almost anything. Does the artist get to decide how everyone else should interpret it? And do we really need the piece of art itself if its interpretation is so much more important than the way it impinges on the senses?

[Manhanuzzendam]

@silverbassboy

but have they really understood what comunism is?i doubt it

[cavalrycome]

This art engages for all of about 30 seconds. It's impressive to think of how long it took to make all the seeds out of porcelain and maybe you can enjoy the feel of them in your hands or the sound of them underfoot, but that's about the extent of the effect it can have on a person.

[DaPkoomnys]

Whats the sense of this?? #LOL

[VivaLaHoo]

Das ist Kunst.

[AmokzProductions]

Da musste mal ne ladung mit Vögeln reinlassen :D

[iiGerardoii]

THEY ALL ARE FAKE, FUCKING READ THE DAMN INFO AND STOP SAYING SHIT LIKE: ''waste of food'', ''Some play with food and some dont have any'' ,,l, !!!

[rpmrpmtko]

if they put dirt on top there will be a lot of sunflowers!

[EratiCManiaC]

@rpmrpmtko lol fail

[hlbcarlito1]

hää Oo

[93Miro]

Each seed is in fact a unique porcelain replica, hand-painted in Jingdezhen and fired at 1,300 degrees. Some 1,600 artisans worked for two years to make 100 million husks with a combined weight of 150 tonnes: a mass project, its collective spirit now abroad in London. The imagination runs fast from millions of tiny painted sculptures to thoughts of dismally repetitive labour.

Ai Weiwei chose sunflower seeds because they were a source of food and comfort during the famines under Mao!

[ismail1234lol]

they aint real people they are painted

[yairoka]

waste of food

[archimondain]

@yairoka no, it's porcelain replicas, hand-crafted and individually painted over the course of two years by some 1600 Chinese artisans. (See infos)

[ravinmephii]

Some play with food and some dont have any!

[KxK96]

@ravinmephii i believe they are porcelain replicas not real seeds :D lol

[XllL00tXll]

So he made a shit load of sunflower seeds and dumped them in a room? This is art why?

[btypirate]

I'm pretty sure this would be really cool using any kind of material. If coffee beans, grass, nails, diamonds (would be quite expensive LOL), dried vanilla fruits (that would smell AWSOME), pebbles from a beach in Brazil or bones from nearly extinct animals like makis =P

As long as you provoke and there is absolutely no use for it, then it is art by definition.

[btypirate]

Gotto love these new DSLRs with video capability =)

[henrichy0205yt]

@btypirate yes, many advantages, but a lot of disadvantages, too ;–)

[personses]

screw sunflower seeds, almonds are the SHIT!

[HiJaayD]

if i accidently pee pee, sunflowers will grow. bad idea, bad idea

[ANYmonKEY]

(f)art...

[andrewgoo]

grow up in rural manitoba its called a crop

[Armabet]

Got some semki?

[Armabet]

Gopnik paradise.

[fudgeplanetmonkey]

Possible solution for world hunger?... no just fill a room with 150 tons of sunflower seeds!

[Killer9ss]

@fudgeplanetmonkey They're not real sunflower seeds...

[skogenlol]

@fudgeplanetmonkey The seeds are made of porcelain :o

[ferrari934]

that's minimal creative art in a big way (: love it

[TheDracu]

why?

[suncubun]

BULLSHIT !!!! wannabe ARTIST RICH people SHIT

[yakomuto]

Throwing a bunch of seeds on the floor is art now a days?

Amazing.

[xdzyI]

ohhhh k?

[TracyInsomiac]

I'd love to be there, sitting on the floor looking at a dozen seeds to see how they were unique. Waste? No. I don't think so...It reminds me of the Beijing Olympics. So many hundreds working in tandem. yet you could see the individuals in that vast sea of people... There are more people in the Woman's Army of China than the entire population of the United States. What an amazing place that hall in the Tate must be right now. Excellent.

[nicolayasol324]

I don't get it.

[77greekgod]

@nicolayasol324 I think this is art (=

[gameadict18]

@nicolayasol324 LOOOL, thats exactly what i said, right after i scrolled down and saw your comment :P

[NaishXIV]

@nicolayasol324

The installation had political overtones. Grains formed 1.6 thousand townspeople of Jingdezhen for more than two years. - What is the country where you can recruit almost an entire town to such absurd activities as painting sunflower seeds? - asked the artist Weiwei journalists.

[NaishXIV]

@nicolayasol324

He said also, that the grain is associated with the bloody Cultural Revolution, carried out by Mao Zedong. - "carpet" so symbolizes the Chinese people: one hundred million grains corresponds to five times the number of Beijing residents. Porcelain seeds have no chance to develop and escape from government manipulation, like the people - said Weiwei.

[schematronic]

что-то совсем туго с фантазией у людей

[BigAirSmite]

Hardly 'art'. 'Waste' seems far more appropriate.

[Pax00Imperium]

2000 artists lost their minds in creation of these millions upon millions of stone seeds.

[wolfrox777]

100 million? Wow!

[linnefa]

Well, would be better if they showed the Chinese who have spent the time of their life to make all these seeds..

[lulo2302]

You can find a similar place in Spain, when the people watch the champion league, the diferen is it they eat the seed and let the rind on the street, or pub or any place and the image is it like a garbage

[ripousse]

100 millions ?

Hand made ??????

could someone explain how its possible ?

[MostaJQ]

hamster paradise

[superspatchcock]

the amount of ultra fine porcelain dust that installation produces is scary, look up pneumoconiosis.

It is now closed to the public until risk assesment test results return.... whatever the results, you still don't want to be breathing that stuff in.

[M1CH4EL45HM4N]

Kind of pointless but it looks beautiful

[ripousse]

@M1CH4EL45HM4N

LOL.

A lot of artwork is "pointless"...

I actually think it the exact opposite

[Venomous9]

lol, Ai Weiwei

[KingChiliPepper]

Art, or is it not just mass production?

[DJofTexas]

garbage? are you kidding? Do you have any idea what it took for 1600 artists to hand paint and fire 100,000 sunflower seeds????

It's fucking amazing!!! I just want to get in there and throw them all over the place! how fun. If you want to see garbage, look at Pollock's work.

This is an insane amount of human hours creating porcelain hand painted sunflower seeds.

[psychofish25]

Garbage. Absolute garbage.

[ripousse]

@psychofish25

lol, cute !

[twee87]

@psychofish25

Maybe you should take a look at the other video from 'tate' which explains the process..

Hopefully you'd appreciate it a bit more or even be inspired once you know what the seeds represent and how it helped reinstate a heritage and provided a town with work/income. I think it's amazing.

[Manhanuzzendam]

@twee87

i think you are right but what Harry said is something completely different from what you said.he never denied the beauty of the work

[deryalex]

trash



[TheXRealXBrapp]

It's seems to me that it would be more logical to use real seeds...

[nixonboy123]

You call this art

[proceedapathy]

Salty

[caplin]

would love to lay down and eat those fat sunflower seeds..

[gamerjoe22]

@caplin there made from porcelain...