Ai Weiwei

Chinese artist (b. Beijing 1957). Son of poet Ai Qing, in 1978 he founded the avant-garde group Stars, known for its thoughtful and socially critical works.
In his career he has used a variety of mediums to realize his ideas, including sculpture, installation, photography and architecture.
The collaboration between Ai Weiwei and Berengo Studio resulted in a series of Murano glass sculptures, which were exhibited at Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti in Venice in 2014.
The collaboration between Ai Weiwei and Adriano Berengo began in 2012, when Ai Weiwei was invited to create an artwork for Glasstress, an exhibition held during the Venice Biennale.
Berengo Studio, known for its expertise in Murano glassblowing, was asked to help produce Ai Weiwei's sculpture.
The result was a large chandelier made from more than 10,000 hand-blown Murano crystals, which was suspended from the ceiling of Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti.
The chandelier, titled "Laoban Ye," is a critique of China's authoritarian government and its exploitation of workers.
The work consists of a large central crystal surrounded by smaller crystals that resemble light bulbs.
The smaller crystals are arranged in a circular pattern and represent workers mistreated by the Chinese government.
The central crystal represents the wealthy elites who benefit from the exploitation of these workers.
Ai Weiwei's collaboration with Berengo Studio is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of the Murano glassblowing tradition.
Berengo Studio glassblowers worked closely with Ai Weiwei to bring his vision to life, using their technical expertise to create a sculpture that is both visually stunning and socially relevant.
In addition to his collaboration with Berengo Studio, Ai Weiwei has also worked with other glass artists.

Glasstress