Lenin sculpture with an international story
This exquisite steel sculpture is on Chen Wei-Ming’s property on Valley Center – you can’t miss it as it stares southward toward the mountains. It was created by friends of Mr. Chen, the Gao brothers, who often use their art for political statements. Missing from the installation is the top-piece of Mao Zedong on a tightrope, showing the connection between the two leaders. The Mao part is actually on the ground next to the sculpture. The Chinese recognize this as a comical criticism of communism, though Americans are sometimes confused by seeing it in Newberry Springs out of context.
The Head was on display in Beverly Hills in front of the Ace Gallery until it closed in 2017. Needing a place, Mr. Chen offered his property and was accepted. There is at least one other copy of this in San Antonio, Texas, a city renowned for innovative artworks.
The Lenin sculpture debuted at the Vancouver BC Biennial from 2009-2011, after which it went to Beverly Hills. The Gao brothers’ work is seen around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Pompidou Center in Paris, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the National Museum of China in Beijing.
Mr. Chen is also a sculptor and several of his pieces can be seen in the Liberty Sculpture Park nearby in Yermo on Yermo Road. It’s definitely worth a visit!