HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE SHOWCASES INTERNATIONAL CULTURE WITH FREE AI WEIWEI EXHIBIT AT HERMANN PARK

                       Houston Arts Alliance is proud to present internationally acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei’s first major sculpture installation, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. The exhibition features 12 monumental bronze animal heads representing the traditional Chinese zodiac that once adorned an imperial icon in Beijing. On view in Houston’s Hermann Park from March 3 to June 3, 2012, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads is the centerpiece of a global, multi-year touring exhibition presented in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

                        Ai Weiwei was launched onto the international scene when he served as the artistic consultant on the design of the 2008 National Olympic Stadium – “Bird’s Nest” – in Beijing. Since then, the artist and his works have become a catalyst for issues of tolerance and freedom of speech. Detained by Chinese authorities last year amidst accusations of tax evasion, Ai remains a subject of worldwide interest and continues to draw support from art and human rights activists.

This public art exhibit will offer Houstonians and visitors from around the world a free opportunity to experience an integral part of Chinese culture and share in Houston’s tradition of exceptional creativity.