Ai Weiwei (1957) is a world-renowned Chinese artist, activist and architect, known for his provocative works that address social and political issues. Born on 28 August 1957 in Beijing, he grew up in exile because his father, the poet Ai Qing, was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution.
Ai Weiwei's oeuvre spans a wide range of media, including sculpture, photography, installation art and architecture. His works address themes such as human rights, freedom of expression and the relationship between tradition and modernity. His best-known projects include his collaboration on the design of the famous "Bird's Nest" stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as the installation "Sunflower Seeds" at Tate Modern (2010), consisting of millions of hand-painted porcelain sunflower seeds.
An outspoken critic of the Chinese government, Ai Weiwei has faced arrest, censorship, and the confiscation of his passport, but this hasn’t stopped him from spreading his message worldwide. His influence extends beyond the art world, with his work often serving as a powerful call for social change.
