Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist, activist, and dissident whose work spans a wide range of media, including sculpture, installation, photography, film, and architecture. Born in 1957 in Beijing, he is celebrated for his politically charged art that critiques government corruption, human rights violations, and censorship, both in China and globally. His work often merges traditional Chinese materials and methods with modern concepts, creating pieces that challenge authority and provoke social dialogue. Notable works include the “Sunflower Seeds” installation at Tate Modern and the design of the Beijing National Stadium (the “Bird’s Nest”). His activism, which led to his imprisonment in China, has made him a global symbol of artistic resistance and free expression.