The Forever Bicycles art installation will be on display at The Forks for the next 10 years. (THEFORKS.COM)
WINNIPEG — A familiar piece of artwork has returned to the grounds of The Forks for a decade-long installation.
Ai Weiwei’s acclaimed art installation “Forever Bicycles” is returning, thanks to a collaboration between The Forks and the National Gallery of Canada.
“As a gathering place for everyone, we value how public art connects and grounds us. The important message and distinctive design of this piece particularly resonates with our community and site,” said Sara Stasiuk, CEO, The Forks North Portage.
The installation will be on display for the next 10 years as part of the Gallery’s National Engagement initiative, supported by local philanthropist Michael Nesbitt.
Originally displayed at The Forks from 2019 to 2022, “Forever Bicycles” consists of 1,266 bicycle frames arranged to create optical illusions from various angles. The artwork references the Shanghai Forever Co. bicycles that were prevalent in Weiwei’s childhood but remained financially inaccessible to many.
Ai Weiwei's Forever Bicycles is back at The Forks, thanks to an incredible partnership with @NatGalleryCan!
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As one of the gallery's few pieces displayed outside of Ottawa, we're honoured to hold it in our public art collection for the next 10 years!https://t.co/FhxL2PU0f7 pic.twitter.com/S7TFELQ1qR— The Forks (@TheForks) October 29, 2024
