When news of the ancient Major Oak’s demise spread, artist Ai Weiwei felt a profound call to capture its essence on paper. This moment marked the beginning of his revived art journey. In Sherwood Forest, this 1,200-year-old giant inspired Weiwei to draw for the first time in over fifty years. The resulting sketch forms the backbone of “A Tree (2026),” an animation co-commissioned by CIRCA and Factory International, displayed prominently on London’s Piccadilly Lights. This project marked another milestone alongside Weiwei’s major exhibition in Manchester, “Button Up!”
Rediscovered: A Journey Through Time and Generations
The animation weaves Weiwei’s drawing with a poignant 1940 poem, “Trees,” penned by his father, esteemed poet Ai Qing. The intersection of art and poetry bridges generations, both narrating the life and end of the Major Oak. Weiwei reflects on the tree’s extensive lifespan, finding resonance in its natural cycle. “I do not think there is any difference between the death of a tree and the death of any other living being,” Ai states, underlining the shared destinies of all life.
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Historic Trees as Storytellers
Trees feature prominently in Weiwei’s work. From assembling Chinese sculptures from ancient trunks to casting Brazilian trees, each piece holds unique stories. His renewed passion can be seen in a poignant project where he recreated a historic tree’s image in Ukraine, mirroring scenes from old China. This ongoing narrative connects memory and survival, entwined within his ambitious “Button Up!” exhibition, which encapsulates two centuries of societal evolution. Ai Weiwei describes this Manchester showcase as the largest and most complex exhibition of his career, charting pathways through political and social upheavals.
A Sketch Beyond the Canvas
Despite its simplicity, Weiwei’s drawing of the oak refracts larger historical narratives through a lens of detailed observation. The artist insists, “Drawing a sketch of a tree is not a simple gesture.” Through CIRCA’s public screens, “A Tree” integrates into urban life, encouraging a pause amid the everyday hustle, reminding us of our shared ephemeral nature. Ai Weiwei’s collaboration with CIRCA underscores the platform‘s role as a creative space, transcending traditional art exhibition methods. His artwork continues to resonate with audiences, revealing deeper connections to history and place.
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired Ai Weiwei to start sketching again?
Ai Weiwei was inspired to begin sketching again after hearing about the demise of the ancient Major Oak. This 1,200-year-old giant in Sherwood Forest prompted him to capture its essence on paper, marking his return to drawing after more than fifty years.
How does Ai Weiwei’s sketch relate to the animation ‘A Tree (2026)’?
Ai Weiwei’s sketch of the Major Oak forms the backbone of ‘A Tree (2026),’ an animation co-commissioned by CIRCA and Factory International. The animation integrates Weiwei’s drawing with Ai Qing’s 1940 poem, ‘Trees,’ bridging generations and exploring the life cycle of the tree.
What is the significance of trees in Ai Weiwei’s work?
Trees prominently feature in Ai Weiwei’s work, serving as storytellers that connect memory and survival. He uses historic trees in various projects, such as assembling sculptures from ancient trunks and casting Brazilian trees, to express narratives of nature and legacy.