Ai Weiwei (b. 1957, Beijing) is one of the most influential artists and provocateurs of our time. He is celebrated for blending Chinese history and tradition with artistic expression and political activism, all within a wholly contemporary practice. Beyond traditional mediums, his artistic work extends to architecture, documentary filmmaking, and large-scale public installations, each serving as a form of human rights activism, cultural commentary, and critiques of the global imbalance of power.&nbsp;Born into exile due to his father’s political persecution, Ai Weiwei's early life was marked by hardship, shaping his lifelong commitment to questioning authority. This commitment has often made him a political target in the past. He studied at the Beijing Film Academy before moving to New York in the 1980s, where he was influenced by conceptual art and artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. Returning to China in the 1990s, Ai Weiwei emerged as a key figure in contemporary Chinese art while also co-founding independent art spaces and experimenting with radical forms of artistic expression. After years of surveillance and restrictions, he was eventually allowed to leave China in 2015 and has since lived in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.&nbsp;Ai Weiwei gained international recognition through powerful works such as Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn (1995), Sunflower Seeds (2010), Neolithic Vase with Coca Cola Logo (Gold) (2015), Illumination (2019), and Straight (2008–2012), a poignant memorial to the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Ai Weiwei’s works are held in major museums worldwide and have been exhibited in leading institutions such as Tate Modern, the Royal Academy of Arts, and the Venice Biennale. His relentless pursuit of truth and justice, coupled with his innovative artistic vision, continues to inspire global audiences and redefine the role of art in society. As Ai Weiwei himself asserts, “Everything is art. Everything is politics.”

Ai Weiwei

Dissident artist Ai Weiwei is famous for conceptual artworks that challenge authority and explore the links between the contemporary world and traditional Chinese culture.

https://data.wengcontemporary.com/media/Ai_Weiwei_Papercut_Portfolio_Content_sheet_compressed_2.pdf

The Papercut Portfolio (2019) by Ai Weiwei is a striking fusion of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and contemporary political commentary. This limited-edition collection consists of eight intricately designed papercuts, each reflecting pivotal moments from Ai Weiwei’s artistic and political journey. Inspired by the centuries-old Chinese tradition of papercutting — historically used for storytelling, decoration, and spiritual symbolism — Ai Weiwei transforms the medium into a bold visual narrative. Rendered in large-format, vibrant red fine-art paper, the works encapsulate themes from his early days in New York in the 1980s, his engagement with Chinese heritage upon returning to Beijing in the 1990s, and his later activism confronting censorship and state control.Accompanied by explanatory notes from writer Chin-Chin Yap, the portfolio offers an intimate glimpse into Ai Weiwei’s evolving artistic practice. The works feature iconic motifs from his career, including the Bird’s Nest stadium, his Study of Perspective (1995–2003) middle-finger gesture, and references to politically charged installations such as Sunflower Seeds (2010) and Map of China (2003). Through this medium, Ai Weiwei juxtaposes themes of displacement, resistance, and cultural identity, reinforcing his belief that art is a form of free expression and social responsibility. The Papercut Portfolio serves as both a retrospective of Ai Weiwei’s groundbreaking work and a powerful statement on the intersection of art, politics, and human rights.

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“ I think there is a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression. „

—Ai Weiwei