British Museum's Day of the Dead festival

 

This spectacular statue is part of the British Museum’s free festival to mark the Mexican Day of the Dead - a celebration that can be traced back to Aztec times. Traditionally, families gather to remember relatives and friends who have passed away. They build private altars and take gifts such as food, drinks and even sugar skulls to the graves. The museum event runs from October 30 to November 2, 2015 and includes art, performance, storytelling and talks, with a special Friday late night opening featuring Mexican food and drink. 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/day_of_the_dead.aspx

Ai Weiwei's Tree installation at the Royal Academy

As part of a major exhibition at the Royal Academy by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, the front courtyard has been transformed into a grove of trees. The overall effect is stunning, and hugely popular with passers-by as well gallery visitors. The structures are made from sections of dead trees collected on the mountains of southern China. These were pieced together at Ai’s studio in Beijing to create the eight ‘complete’ trees on show. They’ve been interpreted as a commentary on the way diverse people have been brought together to form ‘One China’.

This marble couch in the grove is a reference to the Ming dynasty vogue for creating everyday objects from luxurious materials. While these served no practical purpose, they emphasised the wealth of the rulers of Imperial China. Some visitors were trying it out, but didn't stay there for very long - not the most comfortable seat around!

A picture of Ai Weiwei looks down on the statue of Academy's founder, Sir Joshua Reynolds, that usually dominates the courtyard. I couldn't help wondering what he would have made of it all.

Viewing the trees is free, but there is a charge for the rest of the exhibition, which is continues until December 3, 2015.

https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/