September’s AGO First Thursday delves into the imagination and experience of the world’s most influential contemporary artist: Ai Weiwei, including a specially ticketed live video chat with the artist himself and a performance by the Toronto punk band Fucked Up.
One of today’s most provocative contemporary artists and the subject of a major retrospective currently on view at the AGO, Ai Weiwei will join the AGO’s director and CEO Matthew Teitelbaum for a thought-provoking discussion of his life and work. Ai, who is under constant surveillance at his home in Beijing, has been unable to leave China since the government confiscated his passport in 2011. Please note that due to capacity limitations, special tickets must be purchased to gain admission to the live video chat. Time: 8 – 8:45 p.m.
Following the live video chat, the Polaris Prize–winning band Fucked Up will take the stage in Walker Court, with live visuals by Tasman Richardson. Known for their legendary gigs, Fucked Up’s take on the hardcore genre has constantly upended assumptions about punk. Pitchfork called their last album, 2011’s David Comes to Life, “a convincing demonstration of what can happen when a band works without limitations,” and SPIN called it “one of the best hard rock records of the past ten years.”
Toronto artist Sean Martindale will contribute his unique vision to the night with two projects: his 8’ cardboard sculpture of Ai Weiwei, Love the Future / Free Ai Weiwei, and a special performance created specially for the night, entitled Solidarity Buzz: Shaving for Free Expression, in which Martindale will shave the heads of some very brave partygoers.
Jonathan Campbell, author of the book Red Rock: The Long, Strange March of Chinese Rock & Roll will play a special DJ set of Chinese rock music in tribute to Ai’s latest project: a punk album with an accompanying music video.
In the one-night-only exhibition OUT OF THE VAULTS: Art and Activism!, view a selection of protest art from the AGO collection, including women’s rights promotion, anti-war imagery, and in-your-face social commentary in the Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study Centre.
In this month’s pop-up talks, curators, artists and local personalities share their personal reactions to Ai Weiwei: According to What?. Get inspired by Toronto city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto City Councillor; Elizabeth Parke, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto; and Charlie Foran, president of PEN Canada.
Put that inspiration to good use and make art! Customize your own on a street-poster designed by local artist Shannon Gerard.
With more great music and a few more surprises, the September 5 AGO First Thursday is a not-to-be-missed spectacle about one of the world’s most exciting artists.
For more information please check: http://www.ago.net/ago-first-thursdays-september-5-2013