Ai Weiwei [Photo: google.cn]

To commemorate the closing of the exhibition, Ai Weiwei: New York Photographs 1983-1993, the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre presents the Chinese premiere of Fairytale, a film shot by Ai Weiwei for the 2007 Documenta XII Art Festival.

Fairytale will be preceded by the short film, Ai Weiwei: New York Photographs 1983-1993, by Alison Klayman. The film captures the process of creating the exhibit, from its conception through the months of research and production to the final installation of the show. Interviews with the artist, as well as Three Shadows founder RongRong and exhibit organizer Stephanie Tung, provide insight into Ai Weiwei's years in New York and its impact on his art today.

The artist invited 1001 Chinese citizens of all ages and backgrounds to travel to Kassel, Germany, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, and experience the event on their own. Months of planning and organization included all aspects of the participants' trip, from arranging passports and travel for them, to the design of their luggage and living quarters.

When asked about the significance of the number 1001, Ai Weiwei explained, "The number 1001 is one more than one thousand. The aim is to give prominence to the individual versus the group. The number gives the sense of 'collected' individuals and emphasizes individual consciousness and awareness." The documentary captures the extraordinary experiences of the participants as they each live through their own personal fairytales.

Date: April 18th, 2009, 7:30pm

Venue: Three Shadows Photography Art Centre

No. 155A Caochangdi, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel.: +86 10 6432 2663 / 6431 9063 / 6431 9693

Web: www.threeshadows.cn

(CRI April 16, 2009)