The Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads sculpture by Ai Weiwei presents twelve monumental bronze animal heads, each representing a sign of the Chinese zodiac. This souvenir guide delves into the origins and motivations behind Ai Weiwei's significant public art installation. It explores the historical context of the original zodiac fountain from an eighteenth-century Chinese imperial retreat, its subsequent looting by European soldiers, and the fate of its animal head components. The guide also details Ai Weiwei's reimagining of this work as a means to confront complex truths within Chinese and Western historical narratives.

This souvenir guide for Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads installation offers a comprehensive look at a significant work of public art. The guide is structured to provide both visual appreciation through its portfolio and intellectual engagement via an artist interview and historical context. It serves as an accessible entry point for understanding the layers of meaning embedded in Ai Weiwei's reimagining of the ancient Chinese zodiac fountain, highlighting its commentary on history and cultural exchange.