The Chinese artist and activist revealed his plan in a post from his Instagram account following a social media backlash against LEGO after Ai announced the company had refused the gallery’s request for the artist to use the toys to create an installation for Andy Warhol|Ai Weiwei, opening at the Melbourne gallery in December.
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Ai Weiwei first posted about the Lego decision on Friday, the last day of the State visit by the Chinese president Xi Jinping, and explicitly linked it to David Cameron’s announcement of a new “golden era” in relations with the United Kingdom, and the news that a new Legoland will be built in Shanghai.
The Danish toy company is in the process of building a new factory in China, due to open in 2017, as part of its expansion into Asia.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Ai wrote that Lego sent an email in September saying, “We are not in a position to support the exhibition … by supplying the bulk order”.
Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei is known as much for his art as his politics, and that is exactly why his latest work, which was to use Lego bricks as a centerpiece, may not come to be.
Ai Weiwei will get his Legos, whether Lego likes it or not. However, we realize that artists may have an interest in using LEGO elements, or casts hereof, as an integrated part of their piece of art. In this connection, the LEGO Group would like to draw your attention to the following: The LEGO trademark cannot be used commercially in any way to promote, or name, the art work. “Projects that are not endorsed or supported by the Lego Group”, says Trangbaek. As a commercial entity, Lego produces and sells toys, movies and amusement parks attracting children across the globe.
The artist also suggested the Danish toymaker was anxious about offending Beijing as it looks to expand in China and build a new manufacturing plant there. “As a powerful corporation, Lego is an influential cultural and political actor in the globalized economy with questionable values”.
Ai’s post prompted an outcry on social media, including calls for the public to donate Lego to allow the artist to complete the work. “This principle is not new”.
“In cases where we receive requests for donations or support for projects – such as the possibility of purchasing Lego bricks in large quantities – where we are made aware that there is a political context, we therefore kindly decline support”.
“[Ai] is working on a new installation focusing on Australian activists, advocates and champions of human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of information and the internet”, NGV contemporary curator Max Delany said.
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The Chinese artist said the company told the museum its bricks could not be used for artworks containing “any political, religious, racist, obscene or defaming statements”.
