Man Shatters Ai Weiwei Sculpture at Bologna Exhibition

A man smashed a sculpture by renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at the opening of his exhibition in Bologna, Italy. The work, 'Porcelain Cube', was destroyed and the perpetrator, known in the art world for his disruptive behavior, was arrested. The exhibition resumed as scheduled.

A man shattered a sculpture by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei on Friday during the opening of his exhibition at Palazzo Fava in Bologna, Italy, according to a spokesperson for the show.

CCTV footage, posted on Ai Weiwei's Instagram account, captured the man vigorously pushing over the sculpture, breaking it, then holding a piece over his head. The targeted piece was the 'Porcelain Cube', a large blue and white creation, according to the spokesperson.

Exhibit curator Arturo Galansino identified the perpetrator as a well-known figure in the art world with a history of disruptive behavior. Local police reported the arrest of a 57-year-old Czech man, intercepted by museum security. The art show, titled 'Who am I?', continued as planned with a life-size print replacing the original sculpture. Ai Weiwei expressed relief that no one was injured and instructed for the remains to be removed.

(With inputs from agencies.)