2016-05 | Circle of Animals - Zodiac Heads

The Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads public art exhibit by contemporary Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei (pronounced “eye way way”) has been installed around the Rings Fountain on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The 10-feet tall animal heads weigh 1,500-2,000 pounds each and are installed in the order of the traditional Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the original heads were pillaged and only seven are known to still exist. Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads is Ai Weiwei’s re-interpretation of the animal heads that calls attention to the tragedy of art treasure looting. The originals were designed in the 18th century by an Italian Jesuit missionary to China serving in the court of the Qing dynasty Emperor Qianlong. Weiwei is well known for the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium in Beijing built for the 2008 games.