Set apart from the regular ward cells of the Hospital are two psychiatric observation rooms, called “bug rooms” or “bug cages” by inmates. These tiled chambers were used for the isolation and observation of the mentally ill inmates on Alcatraz.
While standing in the tiled chambers the sound of Tibetan and Native American chanting resonated throughout the rooms. This part of Ai Weiwei installation was called Illumination.
These photos were taken in the Hospital on Alcatraz. The ceramic flowers were part of the Ai Weiwei exhibition which took place throughout the prison. Information of this particular piece called Blossom can be found through the links.