As part of the For Abu Dhabi initiative’s World Urban Forum activations, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) officially unveiled Ai Weiwei’s installation, Forever Bicycles. The installation comes as the first non-mural, and latest addition to the series of artworks the initiative has brought to Abu Dhabi in an ongoing effort to enhance Abu Dhabi’s urban environment. In Forever Bicycles, Weiwei employs the use of a common object and expands it to a creation of architectural proportions that offers an illusion of moving bicycles. 720 stainless steel bicycles make up the foundations of the art piece, which signifies the cultural relevance of the bicycle to the artist’s childhood in Beijing, where it was amongst the most common household objects owned in 1950s and 1960s China.
H.E. Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector, Department of Municipalities and Transport and General Coordinator of the World Urban Forum 10 stated: “We’re delighted to bring Forever Bicycles to the Emirate as part of the For Abu Dhabi initiative. The addition of this wonderful piece of art and the coinciding World Urban Forum 10 increases the sentiment of this momentous occasion.
Weiwei’s use of culture and innovation in his artwork mirrors that of For Abu Dhabi’s values and the theme of the World Urban Forum 10, making Forever Bicycles the most fitting piece of creativity to bring to Abu Dhabi at this time.”
H.E. Al Khadar added: “As part of our contribution to the Ghadan 21 Government Accelerator Program, For Abu Dhabi will continue efforts towards making Abu Dhabi amongst the most liveable cities in the world, through the implementation of additional urban environment enhancements.”
The installation has been placed on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche during the World Urban Forum 10 by the For Abu Dhabi initiative in commemoration of the Forum, and due to its mirroring values of sustainability, culture and innovation. The artwork has been loaned courtesy of Ai Weiwei Studio, Lisson Gallery and neugerriemschneider and will be available for World Urban Forum 10 visitors and UAE residents alike to visit during their time in the Emirate.
