Zhou Yan Contemporary Chinese Art Archive 周彦当代中国艺术档案
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Date
2008
Format
Other
Materials
Ground Neolithic Pottery (5000–3000 BCE), Glass jars, Wooden shelving
Dimensions
200 × 239.7 × 36 cm 78 3/4 by 94 3/8 by 14 1/8 in.
Description
Dust to Dust is an installation created by Ai Weiwei in 2008. The work consists of thirty glass jars, each filled with powder made from Chinese Neolithic pottery dating from 5000 to 3000 BCE. By grinding these ancient ceramic objects into powder, Ai destroys their original forms while preserving the materials. The title Dust to Dust recalls the phrase “dust to dust” from the Christian tradition, which has also become widely known in China, referring to the idea that human body eventually returns to dust after death. Ai Weiwei's treatment of the ancient pottery suggests the cycle of matter, while also raising questions about the cultural value of historical artifacts and the relationship between destruction and preservation. (Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/contemporary-art-day-auction-l14021/lot.366.html) (Yida Du '29)
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