Pisvejc, who has a history of disruptive behavior at art events, was captured on CCTV knocking the “Porcelain Cube” off its plinth and raising a shard of the broken sculpture over his head.
Ai Weiwei, a Chinese dissident artist known for his provocative works and criticism of authority, has often been at the center of controversy. His recent public installation at London’s Piccadilly Circus questioned artificial intelligence, continuing his tradition of challenging societal norms.
Pisvejc is no stranger to the art world, having previously vandalized a Marina Abramović painting in 2018. His actions at the “Who am I?” exhibition, which explores Weiwei’s career-long interrogation into systems of power and artificial intelligence, have once again brought him into the spotlight. Arturo Galansino, the exhibition’s curator, expressed his frustration, stating, “Unfortunately, I know the author of this inconsiderate gesture from a series of disturbing and damaging episodes over the years involving various exhibitions and institutions in Florence.”
The incident occurred during the invite-only opening night, raising questions about how Pisvejc gained access to the event. He was promptly arrested after the destruction of the artwork. Ai Weiwei addressed the incident on his Instagram, remarking, “I hope for his sake that he didn’t hurt himself on the pieces of porcelain.”
The “Who am I?” exhibition, which offers a comprehensive look at Weiwei’s work and his exploration of power structures and artificial intelligence, will be on display at Palazzo Fava until April 4, 2025.
Exhibition Details:
- Location: Palazzo Fava, Via Manzoni, 2, 40121 Bologna, Italy
- Dates: Until April 4, 2025
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by artists and curators in protecting their work from acts of vandalism and underscores the importance of security measures at art exhibitions.