Born in 1957, Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei has exhibited hundreds of pieces of work around the world. His creations document and criticise a range of subjects, including the Chinese government, human rights and freedom of speech.
‘If art cannot engage with life, it has no future’
Ai Weiwei, 1000 Years Of Joys And Sorrows. A Memoir. Audiobook: 9:02:22.
Over the years, he’s produced photographs, videos, installations, essays and sculptures. Today, he’s risen to international acclaim, having hosted countless shows. He also boasts permanent and temporary exhibitions in Wakefield’s Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Let’s take a closer look.
Ai Weiwei exhibition: Circle Of Animals/Zodiac Heads (2010)
(Ai Weiwei exhibition, temporary: 6th May 2017 – 1st November 2021)
Walk among 12 impressive animal heads cast from bronze. Each one weighs 363kg and is dramatically displayed at three meters high.
Today, they represent China’s traditional zodiac signs, also known as horoscopes.
But historically, the original animals were displayed around a fountain clock within Beijing’s imperial summer palace, and stolen by an Anglo-French expedition force during the Second Opium War of 1860. To this day, seven animal statues have been returned. While the goat, rooster, snake, dog and dragon are yet to be found.
As an activist, Ai Weiwei encourages people to talk about taboo topics, like the history of cultures, the politics of ownership and repatriation. He manages this, by making his art accessible, relatable and playful. Here’s a photo of me with my zodiac sign; the goat.
‘I want this to be seen as an object that doesn’t have a monumental quality, but rather is a funny piece… people can relate to or interpret on many different levels, because everybody has a zodiac connection’
Ai Weiwei
To learn more about Ai Weiwei, I highly recommend reading his eye-opening memoir, 1000 Years Of Joys And Sorrows.
That’s all for now ✌️
Your paint-pal
Hi there; I’m Rebecca, a British artist and copywriter, and I’ll never be ‘ready enough’ to write a bio in the third person. I’ve been practising my crafts ever since the day I picked up my first pair of scissors in primary school and glued my fringe to a collage. Tasteful, eh?
When I’m neither painting nor writing, you’ll find me gardening, snowboarding, baking cinnamon buns or practising Muay Thai.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ai Weiwei’s art represent?
As one of the most famous living Chinese artists, Ai Weiwei is an activist. He’s on a mission to expose violations of human rights. And has been a key figure in evolving the static definition of art to incorporate new forms of social engagement.
What does Ai Weiwei sunflower seeds represent?
Sunflower seeds are a popular snack in China. In 1949, communist revolutionary Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China. Propaganda often depicted him as a sun, with the citizens of China turning towards him like sunflowers. So, Ai Weiwei reimagined the sunflower seed to be a symbol of camaraderie during turbulent times.
What is the essence of art, according to contemporary artist Ai Weiwei?
“I think art has to deal with our daily experience, emotions and our aesthetic judgement, which of course relates to our morals and philosophy… I try to make the work which people who do or do not have would appreciate. Or even to challenge their sense of beauty or aesthetics.” Ai Weiwei, 2016.
