CART Department will present “Ai Weiwei LEGO Story” at Free Parking from April 24 to May 3, 2026, bringing a focused exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s LEGO-based works to downtown Manhattan. The presentation foregrounds the artist’s use of industrial materials as a vehicle for both visual experimentation and political commentary.
BMW art car returns following landmark controversy
At the centre of the exhibition is Weiwei’s BMW LEGO art car, which has not been publicly displayed for over a decade. The work first drew attention during its presentation at the Brooklyn Museum in 2015, when a dispute between the artist and LEGO triggered international debate.
At that time, LEGO declined to supply bricks for the project, citing restrictions on political use. Weiwei, who was producing portraits of political dissidents and human rights activists, publicly criticised the decision as censorship. Consequently, the situation prompted a global response, with supporters donating bricks to enable the project’s completion. The company later reversed its stance, marking a significant moment in the relationship between corporate policy and artistic freedom.
Modular construction links material and message
Beyond the headline work, the exhibition examines how Weiwei employs LEGO as a system of accumulation and repetition. This approach aligns with his broader practice, where modular structures underpin large-scale installations and conceptual frameworks.
The show includes the ‘Zodiac’ LEGO series alongside works from the ‘After’ series, in which the artist reinterprets canonical paintings by figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Andy Warhol. Through this process, familiar images are translated into pixel-like compositions, bridging historical art references with contemporary material language.
Therefore, the exhibition positions LEGO bricks not merely as a medium but as a conceptual device, enabling commentary on authorship, reproduction and visual memory.
Public programme extends critical dialogue
Prior to the public opening, a special event titled ‘In Conversation with Ai Weiwei’ will take place on April 23, featuring a dialogue between the artist and Orville Schell. This discussion extends the exhibition’s themes into a broader cultural and political context.
In addition, visitors will have access to publications including Weiwei-isms, Humanity and the Ai Weiwei Handbook, reinforcing the educational dimension of the project.
As the exhibition unfolds, it highlights the intersection of design systems and critical practice. Ultimately, “Ai Weiwei LEGO Story” demonstrates how modular materials can carry complex narratives, situating Weiwei’s work within ongoing conversations about art, politics and the structures that shape both.