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# The Skirball Cultural Center Spotlights Ai Weiwei This Spring
- URL: https://hyperallergic.com/skirball-cultural-center-spotlights-ai-weiwei-spring-2021/
- Published: 2021-02-16T20:18:56.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-24T15:03:33.000Z
- Description: Get ready for the LA debut of Ai Weiwei: Trace with virtual talks, gallery tours, on-demand films, and a rare speaking engagement with the artist-activist on February 21.
- Author: Skirball Cultural Center
- Tags: Announcement, Ai Weiwei, California, Exhibition Announcement, Los Angeles, Skirball Cultural Center, #wp, #wp-post, #image-position-large, #Import 2025-11-24 09:11 (2021, 2022, part 1)

In anticipation of the exhibition [*Ai Weiwei: Trace*](http://bit.ly/2OnenkL?ref=hyperallergic.com) at the Skirball, immerse yourself in Ai Weiwei's art and activism through engaging programs and resources you can experience from home.

On February 21, join the Skirball for the [YouTube premiere of a rare speaking engagement with the celebrated contemporary artist](http://bit.ly/3rME3pt?ref=hyperallergic.com) as he discusses his vast body of work in the context of social justice. Plus, through online experiences and on-demand screenings of his recent documentary films, delve deeper into Ai's work and preview the exhibition.Presenting three of the installation's original six floor panels, *Ai Weiwei: Trace* at the Skirball features more than eighty LEGO® portraits that depict activists, prisoners of conscience, and advocates of free speech from around the world. 

To complement this monumental display, Ai has created a striking 360-degree wallpaper installation entitled *The Animal That Looks Like a Llama but Is Really an Alpaca*. At first glance, the pattern looks merely decorative, but upon further inspection, you'll discover hidden iconography like handcuffs and surveillance cameras. Look closely to find the alpacas — a mascot for freedom of expression in Chinese internet culture.

#### Online Offerings

- A Conversation with Ai Weiwei | Premiering Feb 21 on YouTube
- Bearing Witness: Documentary Films by Ai Weiwei | Now streaming
- *Trace* mobile guide | Available now
- *Trace* virtual gallery tour | Coming soon

**Watch "A Conversation with Ai Weiwei" on Sunday, February 21, at 11am (PST). To receive the link to the YouTube premiere,** [**reserve your space now**](http://bit.ly/3rME3pt?ref=hyperallergic.com).

Discover more of the Skirball's online offerings at [skirball.org](http://bit.ly/3b0RzyX?ref=hyperallergic.com).

*To learn about the exhibition* Ai Weiwei: Trace*, opening to visitors spring 2021 (public health orders permitting), visit* [*skirball.org/exhibitions/ai-weiwei-trace*](http://bit.ly/2OnenkL?ref=hyperallergic.com)*.*