Lest we forget: Sculptures by Chinese artist imprisoned by the authorities for 'economic crimes' unveiled in Central Park



Twelve large bronze animal heads by imprisoned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei have been unveiled in New York.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg described the moment as bittersweet, as the 53-year-old artist has not been heard from since he was detained by Chinese authorities at Beijing airport on April 3, an event which prompted strong international criticism.

Chinese authorities have said he is being investigated for economic crimes, but have not given any specific details.

Exhibition: 'Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads' was formally opened in New York at the entrance to Central Park Any ducks? A passing duck looks at the installation featuring an array of animals by contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwe

Close up: The bronze heads have been sited at the historic Pulitzer Fountain in New York before an international tour

'Artists risk everything to create. They risk failure. They risk rejection. They risk public criticism,' Mr Bloomberg said, in front of a small protest which asked 'where is Weiwei'.

'But artists like Ai Weiwei, who come from places that do not value and protect free speech, risk even more than that.

'The fact that we do not know where he is or when he will be released, is very troubling,' he said.

Last month, it was reported that the artist, who is believed to be in police custody, is being investigated for tax evasion and destroying evidence.

Flashback: Chinese artist Ai Weiwei with his work 'Sunflower Seeds' at the Tate Modern in London last year

The Beijing-backed Wen Wei Po newspaper, which is published in Hong Kong, quoted unnamed sources as saying the artist is suspected of evading large amounts of tax - although no actual figure was given.

The outspoken government critic is also suspected of destroying papers that might have been used as evidence against him.



His family denied the paper's claims and said the government is trying to punish him for his social activism.



Weiwei had been due to attend the opening of the exhibition in New York City, called 'Circle of Animals'. The exhibit in Manhattan's Central Park is made up of 12 bronze animal heads representing the 12 personalities of the Chinese Zodiac.

Each of the four-foot tall animal heads weighs about 800 pounds (57 stones) and stands on large marble bases. They are inspired by the design of the fountain-clock of Yuanming Yuan, an 18th century imperial retreat near Beijing.

Weiwei is best known for his high-profile projects such as the 'Bird's Nest' Olympic Stadium in Beijing and 'Sunflower Seeds', a London-based exhibition comprised of 100 million hand-painted porcelain seeds.

'Circle of Animals' will be displayed in New York until June 26 before going to London, Los Angeles, Houston, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C.



Stunning: The major artwork opened in New York ahead of a world tour - but without the dissident artist

Troubling: Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: 'Artists risk everything to create'