Ai Weiwei covers Berlin landmark in used life jackets for new artwork

Ai Weiwei's latest project in Berlin showcases thousands of used life vests. Credit: Reuters/Stefanie Loos

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has used thousands of used life jackets from refugees in his latest art installation in Berlin.

Ai Weiwei wrapped 14,000 bright orange vests around the pillars of the city's Konzerthaus to highlight the risk refugees are taking every day to reach Europe by sea from Turkey.

Authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos gave the artist the life vests.

The bright orange vests were wrapped around the pillars of the Berlin's concert hall. Credit: Reuters/Stefanie Loos
The life jackets were given to the artist by authorities on the Greek island of Lesbos. Credit: Reuters/Stefanie Loos