Sunflower Seeds

Ai Weiwei produced this Sunflower Seeds in 2010, filling the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern with 100 million hand-painted porcelain seeds. Each seed was individually crafted and painted by 1,600 artisans in Jingdezhen, China's historic porcelain capital. The installation questions mass production, individuality, and the relationship between artist and labor.

Visitors initially walked on the seeds, but dust concerns led to roping off the carpet of porcelain. The sunflower seed carries political weight in China, associated with Chairman Mao, who was depicted as the sun while citizens were his sunflowers turning toward him. Ai's seeds democratize this symbolism, each one unique despite their seeming uniformity.

The work required over two years of production and employed traditional techniques passed down through generations. Ai highlighted how globalization obscures the hands that make objects, forcing viewers to consider the labor behind mass-produced goods. Portions of the installation have since been sold and exhibited worldwide.