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Ai Weiwei

Chinese Conceptual artist (born 1957) · China · Artists

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Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian and activist. Ai grew up in the far northwest of China, where he lived under harsh conditions due to his father's exile. As an activist, he has been openly critical of the Chinese government and its stance on democracy and human rights.

A life in dates

2021Joan B. Cendrós International AwardAward2016LennonOno Grant for PeaceAward2015Ambassador of Conscience AwardAward2012“Stupidity can win for a moment, but it can never really succeed because the nature of humans is to seek freedom. Rulers can delay that freedom, but they cannot stop it.”In their words29 June 2012"Living in Fear Is Worse Than Imprisonment." Mail and Guardian, June 29, 2012.

“They know too many things they should not know and they do not know some things they need to know.”In their words30 May 2012Moore, Malcolm. "'Ai Weiwei: "The police can be very tough, but I can be tougher sometimes.”'," in: Telegraph, May 30, 2012.

“[My family] suffer so much. My mother was much older when I came out [of detention]. She had problems with her hearing and high blood pressure. But they still support me.”In their words5 May 2012“Ai Weiwei: Artistic Licence.” Economist, May 5, 2012.

“The government computer has one button: delete.”In their words18 April 2012Zhang, Qichen. “Ai Weiwei Says Censorship in China Will Ultimately Fail.” Opennet, April 18, 2012.

“I think the government [will] lose the battle.”In their words16 April 2012Ai Weiwei, “In China, Is Censorship the Mother of Creativity?” Interview on The Stream, Aljazeera, April 16, 2012.

“I am very much interested in the so-called useless object.”In their wordsApril 2012Ai Weiwei, interview in “Change,” Episode 1, Season Six, Art: 21 - Art in the Twenty-First Century, PBS, April 2012.

Václav Havel PrizeAward2010The Glass of ReasonAward1957Born18 May 1957

Also in Deutsch

Photos 11

This raincoat has a hole near the waist which is covered with a condom. The work is intended to describe the AIDS crisis as Ai saw it in New York City[7]This raincoat has a hole near the waist which is covered with a condom. The work is intended to describe the AIDS crisis as Ai saw it in New York City[7]Ai WeiWei's Divina Proportione, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Hamilton, BermudaAi WeiWei's Divina Proportione, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Hamilton, BermudaTate Modern in London, home to Ai's Sunflower Seeds exhibition, put a large sign on their exterior that read "Release Ai Weiwei"Tate Modern in London, home to Ai's Sunflower Seeds exhibition, put a large sign on their exterior that read "Release Ai Weiwei"Sunflower Seeds, 2010Sunflower Seeds, 2010Trees, 2010Trees, 2010Dog's head sculpture, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, 2011Dog's head sculpture, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, 2011F Grass, 2014F Grass, 2014

In their own words 10

,
Ai Weiwei
,
10 statements, newest first

  1. Stupidity can win for a moment, but it can never really succeed because the nature of humans is to seek freedom. Rulers can delay that freedom, but they cannot stop it.

    Jun 29, 2012, "Living in Fear Is Worse Than Imprisonment." Mail and Guardian, June 29, 2012., Own words

  2. Freedom of expression is a very essential condition for me to make any art. Also, it is an essential value for my life.

    Jun 11, 2012, "Artist Ai Weiwei: China Crushes Dissenting Voices," in: Fox News, June 11, 2012., Own words

  3. They know too many things they should not know and they do not know some things they need to know.

    May 30, 2012, Moore, Malcolm. "'Ai Weiwei: "The police can be very tough, but I can be tougher sometimes.”'," in: Telegraph, May 30, 2012., Own words

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Awards

Joan B. Cendrós International Award2021
LennonOno Grant for Peace2016
Ambassador of Conscience Award2015
Václav Havel Prize2012
The Glass of Reason2010

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Ai Weiwei

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About this person

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian and activist. Ai grew up in the far northwest of China, where he lived under harsh conditions due to his father's exile. As an activist, he has been openly critical of the Chinese government and its stance on democracy and human rights. He investigated government corruption and cover-ups, in particular the Sichuan schools corruption scandal following the collapse of "tofu-dreg schools" in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. In April 2011, Ai Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport for "economic crimes", and detained for 81 days without charge. Ai Weiwei emerged as a figure in Chinese cultural development, an architect of Chinese modernism, and a prominent political commentator.

Country
China
Category
Artists
Type
Artist
Status
living
Dates
Born 1957 · age 69

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