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Democracy Chronicles

6 Major Ai Weiwei Artworks On Social Issues in China

by DC Editors - April 12, 2021

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6 Major Ai Weiwei Artworks On Social Issues in China
Straight is Ai’s poignant response to the Sichuan earthquake of 2008 – Image source

This article is by Emma Taggart and published by My Modern MET:

Artist Ai Weiwei is undoubtedly the most well-known living Chinese creative today, but his country’s government doesn’t exactly give him the recognition he deserves. In communist China—where freedom of speech is tightly regulated—Ai’s varied portfolio of work doesn’t fetch the highest prices at auctions, and critics don’t sing his praises. Instead, the activist is viewed as a threat to the “harmonious society.” He has spent time in jail, been beaten by police, and is constantly under surveillance. He was even barred from leaving Beijing for a whole year in 2011. As a result, he has become an unsung hero and a symbol of the struggle for human rights in China.

From smashing an ancient vase to highlighting governmental corruption and negligence, Ai’s dramatic actions bridge the gap between art and societal issues. “Creativity is the power to reject the past, to change the status quo, and to seek new potential,” he says. “Simply put, aside from using one’s imagination—perhaps more importantly—creativity is the power to act.”

Through sculpture, film, installation, photography, and architecture—and across an array of materials including ceramics, marble, paint, and tea—Ai explores Chinese identity in the modern world as well as the culture’s social history. Read on to discover six of his most famous works.

Read the full article here.

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Filed Under: Democracy Culture Tagged With: Asia, China, Political Artwork, Political Dissidents, Technology Dissidents

About DC Editors

We are your source for news on the all important effort to establish and strengthen democracy across the globe. Our international team with dozens of independent authors are your gateway into the raging struggle for free and fair elections on every continent with a focus on election reform in the United States. See our Facebook Page and also follow us on Twitter @demchron.

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