Ai Weiwei's Art: A Political Journey of Denunciation and Transformation

In the contemporary global landscape, artists utilize various mediums to articulate their personal experiences, often reflecting on the environments where they were raised or depicting recent societal events (Cheng, 2011; Holt, 2012). These realities manifest in diverse forms, ranging from abstract art to realistic portrayals, and are conveyed through various artistic mediums such as paintings. Consequently, artists express their perspectives in myriad ways, with some gaining prominence in the public sphere by captivating the audience with thought-provoking, challenging, and raw works (Peterson, 2019).

One such artist who has significantly increased his popularity in recent years is Ai Weiwei, a Chinese artist and activist renowned for his political impact (Cheng, 2011). In June 2011, Ai Weiwei was released from prison after purportedly confessing to crimes, following an international campaign advocating for his freedom and family reunion (Cheng, 2011; Holt, 2012). The media attention surrounding his release heightened public interest, prompting Ai Weiwei to channel his experiences into art that delved into the political and illustrated the hardships of his imprisonment (Cheng, 2011; Holt, 2012). His subsequent works focused on public commentary regarding democratic values and politics (Cheng, 2011). Forced to reassess his position in the artistic landscape after his release, Ai Weiwei embarked on a journey of re-emergence.

This article aims to explore the art of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, providing insight into how it resonates with the broader political landscape. Delving into the life of the artist, both before and after his imprisonment, the discussion will highlight the challenges he faced and how he navigated his return to the artistic scene. Additionally, the article will delve into the enduring influence of the art of Ai Weiwei on the current generation. It aims to shed light on the transformative power of artistic expression in the face of political adversity.

Figure 1: Ai Weiwei behind the scenes of Ai vs A.I. (Boateng, 2024).

Ai Weiwei: Unveiling the Artist

Discussing this artist, various facets of interest come to the forefront. The Chinese artist, known for his significant political engagement (Schilling, 2016), has garnered widespread recognition. Throughout the majority of his career, Ai Weiwei has showcased his work in traditional gallery spaces worldwide. Additionally, he has actively utilized social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. This dual approach reflects his strategic use of available mediums to convey a compelling message (Schilling, 2016). The active presence of the artist on social media, coupled with the global exhibition of his work, underscores the comprehensive nature of his outreach. This strategy reveals the commitment of Ai Weiwei to leveraging diverse channels in order to communicate his messages.

His art explores a variety of topics, ranging from Chinese oppression, which led to his imprisonment, to broader global issues such as the refugee crisis and migration (Cheng, 2011; Schilling, 2016). Through this approach, Ai Weiwei creates a narrative that transcends traditional gallery spaces, reaching audiences across various platforms and fostering a broader dialogue on critical social and political issues. Moreover, Ai Weiwei seamlessly integrates activism and art in a distinctive manner. Utilizing the real world as his canvas, he transforms his life into an experimental performance piece (Sorace, 2014). Every facet of his experiences, coupled with his critiques of both the Chinese government and Western reality, finds expression in his artistic creations. Consequently, his art invites analysis through the lens of a human rights activist who leverages the world itself as his canvas (Sorace, 2014).

Figure 2: Study of Perspective Series (Weiwei, 1995-2003).

Pre-Imprisonment Artistry: Ai Weiwei's Works Leading Up to 2011

Before his imprisonment and subsequent release in 2011, the artistic journey of Ai Weiwei unfolded with a narrative deeply rooted in political criticism, notably directed toward the Chinese government (Schilling, 2016). The censorship laws imposed by the Chinese government make it challenging to share dissenting opinions on social media, leading to the criticism and censorship of politically charged posts (Schilling, 2016). As a response to these restrictions, Ai Weiwei intensified his activity on social media, using the Internet as a platform to voice his political discontent starting in 2005 (Schilling, 2016). However, even before his significant online presence, Ai Weiwei had been expressing his dissatisfaction through his artworks. His early works served as a precursor to his later, more outspoken critiques of the Chinese government (Cheng, 2011; Holt, 2012; Schilling, 2016). While a significant portion of his oeuvre reflects his discontent with the Chinese political system, Ai Weiwei extends his criticism to global systems. He stands firmly against human rights abuse and advocates for reform (Cheng, 2011; Schilling, 2016).

A notable example of his pre-digital activism is the "Study of Perspective" series, spanning from 1995 to 2003 (Contemporary Art Curator, 2023). In this series, Ai Weiwei photographs himself flipping the finger against iconic national landmarks across the world, confronting viewers with a visual challenge to these revered structures (Contemporary Art Curator, 2023). Through this act of questioning symbols, he prompts a broader interrogation of the systems they represent, articulating his political opposition and demand for reform. The series critiques figures associated with the Chinese regime, challenging national symbols in other countries (Ai Weiwei, Study of Perspective, 1995-2003). It predominantly focuses on Western landmarks (Schilling, 2016).

However, beyond his political works, Ai Weiwei has created pieces that delve into his upbringing and its profound impact on his art. Several years after completing the Study of Perspective, and preceding his sudden disappearance and imprisonment, Ai Weiwei crafted one of his most renowned works: Sunflower Seeds (Bingham, 2010; Holt, 2012). Comprising millions of handmade porcelain sunflower seeds, arranged on what resembles a bed of seeds, this artwork holds deeply personal significance. The sunflower seeds in the piece symbolize the life of the artist and his connection to his homeland. This symbolism draws on the historical significance of the sunflower during China's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 70s (Bingham, 2010; Holt, 2012). In this masterpiece, Ai Weiwei explained that the sunflower's orientation toward the red sun serves as a symbol reflecting the sentiments of the masses toward their leadership (Bingham, 2010). Additionally, the seeds represent fundamental needs and desires, underscoring their importance. Therefore, Sunflower Seeds 2010 becomes a poignant representation of the impact of the Cultural Revolution on Ai Weiwei's life. It also serves as a reference to the events that contributed to his discontent with the Chinese government.

Figure 3: Sunflower Seeds (Weiwei, 2010).

To appreciate the context, understanding the familial background of Weiwei is crucial. His father, Ai Qing, was a member of the Chinese Communist Party but, along with the rest of the family, was exiled due to a Communist Party Purge (Holt, 2012). While Ai Qing endured hard manual labor as a part of his sentence, Weiwei was indoctrinated into the ways of the Communist government (Holt, 2012). During this period, sunflowers were emblematic cultural symbols (Bingham, 2010). Drawing from this historical context, Weiwei employed traditional porcelain techniques of the time to handcraft the sunflower seeds. Sunflower Seeds 2010 thus stands as a powerful representation of the artist's connection to the Cultural Revolution (Bingham, 2010; Holt, 2012). The exhibition highlights the significance of the sunflower as a cultural symbol and employs the seeds to reflect the populace. The grey color symbolizes the remnants of cultural history post-revolution (Holt, 2012). Living through a time in which he had to assimilate into the Communist Party's ways while in exile left an indelible mark on Ai Weiwei (Bingham, 2010; Holt, 2012). This experience becomes a narrative woven into his art, critiquing lived experiences. It also serves as a reference point for scrutinizing the present impact and role of the Chinese government (Holt, 2012).

All works of Ai Weiwei are highly political, and his artistic practice and activism were not tolerated by the Chinese government (Holt, 2012). In 2008, following the Sichuan Earthquake, Weiwei publicly condemned the government for its lack of support (Holt, 2012). Although his previous works and activism had already faced disapproval, criticizing the government after the earthquake proved to be the tipping point (Holt, 2012). This heightened the monitoring of Chinese authorities, leading to increased strictness (Holt, 2012). Subsequently, the international interest generated by his activism further intensified government monitoring, ultimately resulting in his detention and effective silencing at the behest of the government (Holt, 2012).

Figure 4: Study of Perspective Series - Paris (Weiwei, 1995-2003).

Post-2011 Liberation: Ai Weiwei's Artistic Journey Beyond Imprisonment

Following his release by the Chinese government in 2011, Ai Weiwei faced a subsequent period of house arrest (Cheng, 2014). Despite the challenges, Weiwei leveraged the growing social media attention he garnered during his imprisonment to reintroduce his art to the public (Cheng, 2014; Holt, 2012). Remarkably, rather than dampening his artistic influence, his arrest heightened public interest in his work. Seizing this opportunity, the Chinese artist continued his political commentary through art, carving out a space to criticize the Chinese government and share his experiences of arrest (Holt, 2012). Despite being warned not to repeat the same mistakes, he returned to social media.

After becoming even more popular than ever before, Ai Weiwei began creating pieces that condemned the actions of the Chinese government during his imprisonment (Holt, 2012). One of the most significant works from this period is S.A.C.R.E.D., an installation divided into six parts depicting scenes of his incarceration (Lucas, 2015; Weiwei, 2013). Each letter in the title corresponds to a specific aspect: Supper, Accusers, Cleansing, Ritual, Entropy, and Doubt (Callahan, 2021; Weiwei, 2013). Small apertures in each box allow viewers to peer inside (Callahan, 2021; Lucas, 2015). Weiwei meticulously recreated realistic models of himself and his captors, documenting every detail. The purpose of this exhibition was to document and illustrate the conditions of his imprisonment (Lucas, 2015; Weiwei, 2013). Each room portrays mundane activities, offering the public a profound understanding of the depicted scenes (Lucas, 2015).

Figure 5: Ai Weiwei, S.A.C.R.E.D. (2013) a six-part work composed of (i) S upper, (ii) A ccusers, (iii) C leansing, (iv) R itual, (v) E ntropy, (vi) D oubt. (Lisson Gallery, 2013).

Furthermore, the exhibition reveals the invisibility of being held in secret detention, a space in which he was kept without anyone knowing for 81 days (Callahan, 2021; Lucas, 2015). Yet, it also conveys a sense of hypervisibility—Ai Weiwei was in an unknown place, but constantly monitored by the Chinese authorities (Callahan, 2021; Lucas, 2015). In various scenes, the artist portrays how he was under constant surveillance, with guards monitoring every activity, including his forced showers and observations while sitting at a desk (Callahan, 2021). This exhibition stands as one of his most serious pieces related to his imprisonment, as he defied warnings from the Chinese authorities not to share information about that time (Lucas, 2015). Nevertheless, he chose to communicate these experiences through the exhibition, highlighting every detail a few years later.

Years after regaining his passport, Ai Weiwei found inspiration to relocate to Berlin, where he encountered fewer restrictions on his artistic expression (Callahan, 2021). Despite his increasing popularity, Ai Weiwei remained politically engaged. He urged people worldwide to understand the situation in China and encouraged viewers to critique stringent systems (Holt, 2012). Ai Weiwei extended his advocacy to address various injustices, including the refugee crisis (Callahan, 2021). In 2017, he produced the film "Human Flow" to depict the ongoing global refugee crisis (Callahan, 2021; Peterson, 2019). A colleague emphasized that the film aimed to expose the harsh reality, compelling people to confront and question why such situations occur and take action (Callahan, 2021). In alignment with the core ideals of Weiwei, the film sought to encourage political confrontation and showcase unfiltered reality (Peterson, 2019).

Figure 6: Human Flow (Weiwei, 2018).

The Purpose and Repercussions of Ai Weiwei’s Art

This article has emphasized the political role of the art created by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Despite the division created by his imprisonment in his career, it is crucial to recognize that his art has consistently maintained a strong political focus, as indicated by various sources (Callahan, 2021; Cheng, 2011; Holt, 2012; Lucas, 2015; Peterson, 2019; Schilling, 2016). From his early beginnings, Weiwei denounced the Chinese government in exhibitions related to the Cultural Revolution. His childhood exile forced him to adapt to a different system that did not offer him support (Bingham, 2010; Holt, 2012). In works like "Study of Perspective," he not only expressed his disagreement with China but also critiqued global monuments (Contemporary Art Curator, 2013; Schilling, 2016; Weiwei, 1995-2003). His active role in denouncing social and political structures, along with injustices, gained even more prominence through his use of social media (Schilling, 2016). This increased attention led to warnings, his eventual disappearance, and arrest by the Chinese government (Cheng, 2014; Holt, 2012).

Figure 7: Ai Weiwei, S.A.C.R.E.D. (2013) a six-part work composed of (i) S upper, (ii) A ccusers, (iii) C leansing, (iv) R itual, (v) E ntropy, (vi) D oubt. (Lisson Gallery, 2013).

Despite arrests and warnings, Weiwei became even more active, creating "S.A.C.R.E.D." to reveal the events during his arrest (Callahan, 2021; Lucas, 2015). Rather than discouraging him, these incidents reinforced his commitment to making the world aware of the need for reform in existing structures (Callahan, 2021; Lucas, 2015). He later extended his focus to cover global issues like the refugee crisis (Callahan, 2021; Peterson, 2019). It is crucial to understand that Ai Weiwei not only focuses on art that captures people's attention but also employs an active role in social media to broaden its reach (Cheng, 2014; Holt, 2012). Therefore, his primary role is to shed light on the transformative power of artistic expression in the face of political adversity.

Bibliographical References

Bingham, J. (2010). Ai Weiwei: Sunflower Seeds 2010. Tate. UK.

Callahan, W. (2021). Ai Weiwei: Art, Film, and Resistance on the Trans/National Stage. Visualized Narratives: Signs, Symbols and Political Mythology in East Asia, Europe and the US, 3, 157.

Cheng, M. (2011). Ai Weiwei: acting is believing. TDR: The Drama Review, 55(4), 7-13. 

Contemporary Art Curator (2023). Ai Weiwei, Study of Perspective Series (1995-2003). Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.

Holt, B. (2012). F** k off: an examination of the relationship between art and politics in the practice of Ai Weiwei (Doctoral dissertation).

Lucas, T. (2015). A window to the world of Ai Weiwei. The Lancet, 386(10008), 2047.

Peterson, A. (2019). Ai Weiwei and JR. Political artists and activist artists and the plight of refugees. Journal of Mediterranean Knowledge-JMK, 4(2), 183- 202. DOI: 10.26409/2019JMK4.2.12

Schilling, B. (2016). Ai Weiwei’s artistic vision on politics.

Sorace, C. (2014). China's Last Communist: Ai Weiwei. Critical Inquiry, 40(2), 396-419.

Visual Sources