Ai Weiwei in ‘good physical health but mentally conflicted’
17 May 2011 • Mark Westall
Chinese authorities allow wife, Lu Qing, to visit artist and activist who had not been seen since arrest at Beijing airport on 3 April
Ai Weiwei, a global artist, researcher, and thinker, explores diverse subjects, from the 2008 Chinese earthquake to refugee crises. His art combines craftsmanship and conceptual creativity, addressing economic, political, and social forces. Through installations, sculptures, films, and photographs, he highlights universal symbols and societal issues. Ai Weiwei is an influential cultural figure and advocate for free expression worldwide.
Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai Weiwei now resides in Portugal. His major solo exhibitions span across the globe, from Vienna to London. He has collaborated on architectural projects like the 2012 Serpentine Pavilion and the Beijing Olympic Stadium in 2008.
His numerous awards include the Chinese Contemporary Art Awards’ lifetime achievement award in 2008 and the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent in 2012. He was named Honorary Academician at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2011.
Ai Weiwei’s work resonates globally, transcending cultural and political boundaries. As a leading cultural figure, he continues to inspire through his thought-provoking art and unwavering commitment to human rights.
17 May 2011 • Mark Westall
Chinese authorities allow wife, Lu Qing, to visit artist and activist who had not been seen since arrest at Beijing airport on 3 April
10 May 2011 • Mark Westall
Ai Weiwei will present a show of sculptural and video works at Lisson Gallery. This will be a chance to view a number of key works by the artist, one of the most significant cultural figures of his generation, both in China and internationally.
3 May 2011 • Mark Westall
British artist Hamish Fulton staged a performance at Tate Modern as a public gesture of solidarity towards Chinese artist Ai… Read More
6 January 2011 • Mark Westall
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, the very first feature length documentary on the artist, when it comes out later this year. It was produced and directed by Alison Klayman, who also made the documentary short Ai Weiwei: New York Photographs 1983-1993.
9 December 2010 • Mark Westall
Lisson Gallery is delighted to announce that it is now representing artist Ai Weiwei. Widely considered to be one of… Read More
5 December 2010 • Mark Westall
Chinese police have prevented artist Ai Weiwei from traveling to South Korea, he said on Friday, linking it to a… Read More
9 November 2010 • Mark Westall
Ai Weiwei, from archinect.com As the sun rises in China, it sets on a powerful gathering of supporters of artist… Read More
9 July 2009 • Mark Westall
New audiovisual work by David Blandy, Henry Coombes and Tereza Buskova, plus works from the Zabludowicz Collection 9 July to… Read More