Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads is Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's series of sculptures currently on show in the courtyard of London's very own public Grand Palace, Somerset House. Twelve large-scale animal heads carved from bronze encircle the main outdoor space, each gazing eyeless at their opposite number. The rooster, horse, pig, and more, are each taken from one of the signs of the Chinese Zodiac, and are re-creations of those which once sat upon the fountain of Yanming Yuan, an imperial retreat in Beijing.
The works are, simply, stunning. The detail in the craft is magnificent, and within the confines of Somerset House...well, there are places that just lend themselves to beauty. Somerset House, like Apple, like Tom Ford, like Bentley, is an icon of desirability and is sumptuous in every way. These sculptures only add to the venues' splendour.
Right now, Ai Weiwei is probably the least seen but most famous artist in the world, having not been seen since being arrested in China six weeks ago. His property destroyed and an international protest underway, these works - which are part of an international touring installation that started in New York - take pride of place in one of the London's most magnificent, regal and most visited arts institutions.
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads is at Somerset House until 26 June.
_d.jpg "Alexander McQueen")
