The Museum of Contemporary Art of Castilla y León (MUSAC) presents a monumental showcase of Ai Weiwei’s artistry and activism in the exhibition Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote. Running until 18 May 2025, this extensive display features large-scale installations and intricate works that merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge conceptual creativity, spanning the artist’s prolific output over the past two decades.

Challenging Tradition with Innovation

Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote transforms the museum into an immersive experience where traditional notions of painting and sculpture are reimagined. Through large-format works spread across MUSAC’s galleries, Ai Weiwei explores universal symbols and humanity’s relationship with political, social, and natural forces.

The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections, each presenting works in various formats. From reinterpretations of art history masterpieces constructed with building blocks that defy the boundaries of two-dimensional painting to extravagant chandeliers crafted from Murano glass and cast steel, Ai Weiwei blurs the line between art and activism. Sculptures made of bamboo offer yet another dimension, demonstrating his commitment to themes like the global refugee crisis and the human connection to nature.

This groundbreaking exhibition exemplifies Ai Weiwei’s ability to use his art as a platform to engage with pressing global issues, blending visual impact with social commentary.

A Fusion of Art and Activism

Known as a fearless artist and activist, Ai Weiwei’s works extend beyond form or protest to address universal themes of humanity and community. In Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote, the artist’s distinctive voice resonates powerfully, inviting visitors to reflect on issues he considers urgent.

The Leonese museum becomes a stage for works that speak to the fragility of human existence and our collective responsibilities. Whether through the delicate craftsmanship of bamboo sculptures or the imposing presence of monumental chandeliers, Ai Weiwei challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with both art and the world around them.

Exhibition Details

Title: Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote
Artist: Ai Weiwei
Curator: Álvaro Rodríguez Fominaya
Dates: 9 November 2024 – 18 May 2025
Location: MUSAC, Avda. Reyes Leoneses, 24, León, Spain

About Ai Weiwei Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai Weiwei is a globally celebrated conceptual artist, architect, photographer, curator, and human rights activist. He began his artistic training at the Beijing Film Academy and later studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Ai Weiwei’s career spans decades, with solo exhibitions at leading institutions such as the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, Haus der Kunst in Munich, and the Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin. His participation in prestigious events like the Venice Biennale, Documenta in Germany, and the São Paulo Biennial has solidified his position as one of the most influential artists of our time.

Notable works include Sunflower Seeds, an iconic installation at Tate Modern in London, and his collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron on the “Bird’s Nest” stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent in 2012, Ai Weiwei continues to challenge conventions and provoke thought through his art.

A Must-See Exhibition

Ai Weiwei: Don Quixote at MUSAC offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the artist’s thought-provoking fusion of art and activism. Whether addressing themes of migration, community, or humanity’s impact on nature, the exhibition is a profound testament to Ai Weiwei’s enduring legacy.

Don’t miss this chance to witness the transformative power of art at MUSAC in León, Spain.