Ai Weiwei was born in Beijing, China, in 1957. He grew up in the far northwest of China, where he lived under harsh conditions due to his father’s exile.
He is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and an outspoken human rights activist. Ai was arrested and imprisoned by Chinese authorities in April 2011 as his photographs, sculptures, films, performances, and installations were deemed to be openly critical of the Chinese Government’s stance on democracy and human rights. Many examples of Ai Weiwei’s artwork challenge authority and provoke critical thought about pressing social issues.
Ai Weiwei is one of the most significant and recognized artists working today. Known around the world for his powerful activism Ai Weiwei’s art does not differentiate between disciplines: his practice includes visual and conceptual art, architecture, design, film, collecting, and curating. Ai Weiwei paintings and installations often blend traditional Chinese culture with modern political commentary.
He is famous for artworks that challenge authority and explore the links between the contemporary world and traditional Chinese culture. Iconic pieces like his sunflower seeds installation and other notable Ai Weiwei artworks continue to inspire audiences globally.
His work features in the collections of Centre Pompidou, the Guggenheim, MOMA, and the Tate.
