Wed Sep 25 03:13:38 UTC 2024: ## Ai Weiwei Sculpture Destroyed at Bologna Exhibition Opening
**Bologna, Italy** – A shocking incident occurred at the opening reception of renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s solo exhibition, “Ai Weiwei. Who Am I?”, at Palazzo Fava in Bologna, Italy. A man, identified by exhibition curator Arturo Galansino as a known figure in the art world with a history of disruptive behavior, deliberately destroyed a large porcelain sculpture by Ai Weiwei.
Security footage captured the man toppling the sculpture, lifting its broken pieces, before being apprehended by museum guards. The incident caused alarm among attendees and left the sculpture shattered on the floor.
Ai Weiwei, in an interview with The New York Times, expressed astonishment at the incident, stating he initially believed it to be a terrorist attack or explosion due to the loud sounds of the sculpture breaking. He emphasized that the sculpture weighed nearly 100 kilos and was surprised by the ease with which it was destroyed.
Despite the disruption, the exhibition continued as planned, with a life-size print of the damaged sculpture replacing the original. The show will run until May 4.
Curator Galansino revealed that Ai Weiwei’s primary concern was the safety of attendees, requesting the removal of the sculpture’s remains. The incident has raised questions about security at the invite-only event and how the man gained access to the building.
First Piper 