Ai Weiwei Chinese, b. 1957

Ai Weiwei, born in 1957 in Beijing, is a globally renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist, recognized for his provocative and socially engaged artworks that challenge political authority and question societal norms. Working across sculpture, installation, photography, architecture, film, and social media, Ai combines traditional Chinese craftsmanship with contemporary conceptual strategies, creating pieces that are both visually striking and intellectually compelling. His work often explores themes such as human rights, freedom of expression, cultural identity, and the tensions between individual and state power. Iconic projects, including the “Sunflower Seeds” installation at the Tate Modern and his interventions in global architecture, highlight his capacity to merge artistic innovation with profound political commentary.

Ai’s artistic development was deeply shaped by his early life in China during the Cultural Revolution and by his father, the poet Ai Qing, whose exile and persecution left a lasting mark. In the 1980s, Ai moved to New York, where he immersed himself in contemporary art movements, studied Western avant-garde practices, and developed a conceptual and performative approach that would define his career. Returning to China in the 1990s, he became a central figure in the Beijing art scene, blending global perspectives with local social concerns. Ai frequently uses everyday materials and traditional techniques, such as porcelain, wood, and brick, to engage viewers in a dialogue about history, memory, and political systems, often blurring the boundaries between art, activism, and life itself.

International recognition has accompanied Ai Weiwei throughout his career, despite repeated clashes with Chinese authorities, including detentions and censorship. His work has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the National Gallery of Australia. Ai has also represented China at the Venice Biennale and contributed to numerous architectural projects, such as the design of the Beijing National Stadium. His enduring legacy lies in his fearless combination of artistic innovation and political engagement, inspiring generations of artists to address urgent social and cultural issues with courage and creativity.