Ai Weiwei collaborates with TASCHEN on fine art jewelry collection.-
Ai Weiwei and TASCHEN present an unprecedented fine art jewelry collaboration following the success of the artist’s Papercut Portfolio. With the Zodiac Charms, Ai returns to his seminal 2010 work Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, an exploration of history, authenticity, and cultural dialogue. In this new, exclusive jewelry version on the theme, he turns to the multifaceted personal meanings the Chinese zodiac has held over the centuries. The charm has been sculpted by the artist based on its appearance in the earlier work and hand-cast in 999 pure gold.
Ai Weiwei. The Zodiac Charms. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig- Limited edition of 99 copies each: Zodiac Charms hand-cast in 999 pure gold on a red silk string.
Pre-Order NOW: HERE
About the artist
Discover Ai Weiwei, a prominent Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist renowned for his bold political stance. Born in the far northwest of China, Ai Weiwei faced challenging conditions during his upbringing due to his father’s exile. As an outspoken activist, he fearlessly criticizes the Chinese Government’s position on democracy and human rights.
Ai Weiwei gained international attention for exposing government corruption and cover-ups, notably the Sichuan schools corruption scandal following the 2008 earthquake. His arrest in 2011 at Beijing Capital International Airport on charges of “economic crimes” resulted in 81 days of detention without formal charges.
An influential figure in Chinese cultural development, Ai Weiwei is hailed as an architect of Chinese modernism and a prominent political commentator. His artistic portfolio, comprising sculptures, photographs, and public works, eloquently captures his political convictions and personal poetry. Using traditional Chinese art forms, he skillfully addresses contemporary Chinese political and social issues.
Since obtaining the freedom to leave China in 2015, Ai Weiwei has called various places home, including Berlin, Germany, Cambridge, UK, and Portugal, all while continuing to shape the discourse on art, politics, and societal change.
