The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei took the opportunity for an installation at Alcatraz island, in the buildings of a former federal prison known for its isolation of prisoners for over thirty years and the failure of any inmates to escape, as an occasion to engage and process the continued imprisonment of prisoners of conscience worldwide. In converting the former prison's isolation chambers as an exhibition space, Ai helps one map resistance to institutions of imprisonment, although restrictions on his own travel prevented him from visiting the island to assemble and construct the seven pieces of art now on view. Continue reading ![]()
