'Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads' by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is a reinterpretation of the bronze statues from Yuanming Yuan that depict the 12 legendary creatures of the Chinese zodiac.
In the traditional Chinese zodiac, years occur in a 12-year cycle, and each year is represented by one of the animals. 'Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads' attempts to restore the balance of the cycle. The old statues were pillaged and ransacked during the middle of the 19th century, leaving only seven remaining statues.
In 'Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads' you will see the heads of a boar, dog, dragon, goat, horse, monkey, ox, rabbit, rat, rooster, snake and tiger all forged masterfully.
Do you know what your Chinese zodiac sign is?
Photo Credits: designboom, aiweiwei
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Reinterpretation of Bronze Statues
- Creating modern versions of traditional bronze statues provides an opportunity for artists to bring new life and meaning to ancient cultural symbols.
- Restoration of Cultural Balance
- Recreating lost or damaged cultural artifacts allows for the preservation and celebration of historical traditions.
- Exploration of Zodiac Symbolism
- Delving into the significance of zodiac signs provides a chance to uncover new insights and interpretations of astrological beliefs.
Where This Applies
- Art
- The art industry can embrace the trend of reinterpreting traditional bronze statues by collaborating with artists to create new and innovative pieces.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
- The restoration industry can play a vital role in reclaiming and preserving lost or pillaged cultural artifacts from the past.
- Astrology and Spirituality
- The astrology industry can explore the trend of exploring zodiac symbolism to offer new perspectives and services to individuals seeking guidance and self-discovery.
