Yanbei Explores New Creative Ideas in Ai Weiwei’s Art Exhibition “Don Quixote”

In November 2024, artist Yanbei from Aomo Gallery traveled to León, Spain, to attend Ai Weiwei’s art exhibition Don Quixote. This exhibition showcases some of Ai’s most significant works in recent years, addressing themes of identity, history, and social issues. During the event, Yan Bei and Ai Weiwei engaged in in-depth discussions about their creative processes and artistic philosophies.

One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is The Last Supper, recreated using LEGO bricks. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, Ai Weiwei transforms the iconic religious painting into a pixelated mosaic, using LEGO as a contemporary medium. The pink-toned background disrupts the solemnity of the original composition, offering a fresh visual interpretation. Through this work, Ai Weiwei explores themes of collective faith and individual identity while challenging conventional notions of historical art.

After viewing the exhibition, Yanbei remarked that Ai Weiwei’s work is not just about reconstructing classics but about critically engaging with social issues. His innovative use of materials and visual language allows viewers to rediscover familiar images with new meanings. This exchange of artistic ideas has also prompted Yanbei to reflect on the direction of their own creative work.

The exhibition in León will run until February 2025, offering audiences a profound artistic journey through history, contemporary issues, and personal expression.