Liberation

What does the present owe to the past?

A few good stories or wisdom passed down.

In return, relics collect dust and lead an empty existence.

Archaic clay and pigment hold the past by a thread.

Anxious eyes look forward and forget.

The old becomes priceless, but for misguided reasons.

Wisdom is not for sale, nor is the link to those who came before us.

To forget them is a crime. To render them useless in a sin.

The spirit of now brings together two ends of a landscape.

A stilled vessel breathes again when given a chance.

Those anchored to the past fail to see today’s light.

Those looking to what has yet to come miss obvious joy.

Time is infinite and boldly hued.

To let go is to see all that’s possible.

Ai Weiwei – Colored Vases 2007-2010
Han Dynasty vases dipped in Japanese industrial paint.

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Words by c.b.w. 2013

Photograph captured at an exhibition entitled, “Ai Weiwei: According to What?”

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c.b.w. 2013

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Favorite Thing (Friday): Quotes to Ponder

I’m a little late with this week’s Favorite Thing Friday, but its for a good reason. I was busy enjoying an amazing exhibit from one of my favorite artists!

As my longtime readers know, I’ve written many times about the Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwei, (See Seeds to Ponder, Lost in the Zodiac, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, Ai Weiwei: Without Fear or Favor).  Two years ago I had the pleasure of seeing a couple of his works while in London at the Tate Modern and Somerset House.  I found them to be immensely moving and stimulating, which made me an instant fan of this interesting and outspoken artist.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to visit the Indianapolis Art Museum and see the exhibit, Ai Weiwei: According to What? This is the first full exhibit I’ve seen of his work and it was nothing short of awe inspiring.

Aside from intriguing pieces of sculpture and photography, the exhibit included quotations attributed to Ai Weiwei. In many ways, his words are just as powerful as his work. While I took numerous photographs of his artistic endeavors, (which I will post in the near future). I also aimed my camera at the quotes on the walls.

If the print is too small, click on the image for a full-size view.

This is a man who strives to create awareness and make people think in any way he can. Love him or hate him, he knows how to stir emotions. That’s why he’s one of my favorite things this week and always.

Ai Weiwei Speaks and Quotation Pencils
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

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What’s your favorite thing this week?

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c.b.w. 2013