Chinese government is trying to realize politics of reformations, and wants to show the World “New China” for last years. The Government achieved very high goals in sports and physical culture sphere during this period, which is leaving stunning impression on whole world. Looking at the Chinese people, one more time one thinks that human being is able to achieve almost everything, and the Chinese nation evokes, in me personally, deep respect by their workaholic nature.
One of the most tremendous achievements of this period for China was its being chosen as the host of Olympic Games. Ai Weiwei, one of the most popular figures in Chinese cultural life, was ‘design consultant’ along with the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron (in one of the interviews the designer showed his discontent towards being called like this:
“but Ai says characteristically of his role: 'I don't need a title - I would prefer "The Untitled".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jun/29/olympicgames2008.china )
The stadium commissioned in 2002 was ready to meet its guests with 91,000 seats nearly two months before the Opening Ceremony. The idea of crossing steel ribbons (42,000 tons) covering the deep red walls of the building was Mr. Ai’s. This steel latticework gives an image of cage with a red beating heart inside. As it was described in one of the Guardian articles (Sunday 29 June 2008) the building embodies “momentum with sturdiness, chaos with order”.
“Fake Smile” – that’s how Ai Weiwei called the building. Whole world was discussing the problems in China during the summer 2008. Mr. Ai was disappointed by the Governments politics, and Tibet question, strong earthquake altogether left unpleasant memories about this Olympics. The artist answered the question why did he call the games “Fake Smile”:
“I did say it’s a “pretend smile.” I was questioning whether it’s possible for a society that doesn’t have democracy to excite the joys and celebrations of its people. And is it possible for such a society to win international recognition and approval when liberty and freedom of expression are lacking? There are all kinds of efforts under way that are means for stricter and tighter control. When these new security rules and restrictions are put in place, how can one smile and perform, cheer and pose?”
In my point of view, the stadium completely symbolizes the idea of 'control, and losing control at the same time', as Ai says. 'The shape of the stadium is intended to reflect yearning for the rule of reason, but not without passion and dynamism - wanting to show that the head and the heart can coexist.' As I was looking at the photo of the building with its red color coming behind the silver steel, I had an impression that the heart which is inside is beating. It is hard to say something about the politics… Ai’s worries about the nation, how he criticizes the Government being in a communist society is worth of high appreciation. However, I do not agree with his opinion that China shouldn’t be proud of itself. May be it is not “New China, New Olympics” as many people expected, but organizing such a big event is worth of being proud. Every country has its problems, and every Olympics faced such problems like removing people’s houses etc., but China was unlucky with that whole world started discussing its problems. It seemed like only Chinese government does not taking to the point “Human Rights”. What was “disgusting” (as Ai uses this word to define his feelings towards the “Fake Smile”) for me, is that Olympic Games were turned into a debate of politicians. As I think, Olympic Games are world’s athletes coming together and competing, but year by year the Olympics are becoming more like politic games. Where were all those people who were talking about human rights before? Why all of a sudden the question of education, ecology etc in China became so important to everyone? The last Games left many unpleasant impressions on people, not only because of Tibet, earthquake but also some other events in the World as well (like war in Georgia) and the “heart in cage” was reflecting all those.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jun/29/olympicgames2008.china“China’s Olympic Crossroads” serieshttp://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/the-artist-as-an-angry-man/2008/01/18/1200620207518.html?page=fullpagehttp://blogs.guardian.co.uk/authors/richard_williams/
