Ai Weiwei & China

Ai Weiwei is a conceptual artist. Conceptual Art: art that places more of an emphasis on an idea (concept) than on traditional aesthetic qualities (visual appeal). “In conceptual art the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work.” -Sol LeWitt "Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something." -Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei’s art functions as a form of resistance and activism. Through his work, Ai addresses some of the social, political, and economic injustices that exist under oppressive governmental rule in China.

Ai Weiwei was born in 1957 in Beijing, China.

China’s Government China is a communist state, established in 1949 by Chairman Mao Zedong. The government was created after more than 20 years of national and international wars and control by other countries (e.g., U.S., U.K., France, Japan)

Early Influences Ai Weiwei’s father, Ai Qing, was a poet. In 1958, when Ai Weiwei was 1, his father was sent to a labor camp for his criticism of the Chinese government.

In 1978, Ai enrolled in the Beijing Film Academy.

Ai lived in New York from , creating art and studying at Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. During this time, Ai took over 10,000 photographs documenting his experiences.

Ai returned to China in 1993 and has worked as an artist, architect, filmmaker, and activist in China ever since.

China’s Government Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, there has been only one governing party – the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP. There are eight smaller parties, but they are controlled by the CCP and have no power There are no substantial political opposition groups

China’s Government The government continues to be an authoritarian one-party system While there is a head of state (Xi Jinping), a committee of seven rules the country The CCP’s military, The People’s Liberation Army, is a powerful force The government restricts freedom of expression, press, association, and religion It uses repressive policies in ethnic minority areas China’s current leader, Xi Jinping

China’s Economy Even though the government remains authoritarian in nature, the economy has been gradually adding features of capitalism. Over the years, the economy has moved from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented system. Fastest-growing industries include electrical and other machinery, data processing equipment, apparel, and textiles.

China’s Economy In 2012, China was the second-largest economy in the world (after the U.S.). Still, income per capita is below the world average.

China’s Economy The government is facing challenges sustaining adequate job growth and housing for migrants moving to urban areas. Another challenge is managing and lessening social strife related to the economy’s rapid transformation.

National Issues in China Chinese citizens protest repressive government practices – Approx protests are held every day, involving 10 to 10,000 people Internet users aggressively push censorship boundaries, calling for political reform

Ai has protested censorship through his art, leading to police beatings and imprisonment. Video-A Conversation with Ai Weiwei

Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn (1995) Video-Ai Weiwei-Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn

Coca-Cola Vase (1994)

Colored Vases (2006)

The Bird’s Nest, Beijing National Stadium, 2008 Summer Olympics

Great Sichuan Earthquake In 2008, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 occurred in the Sichuan Province at 2:28 pm. Almost 80% of the buildings were destroyed and over 7,000 schools collapsed. 69,197 were confirmed dead and 374,176 injured, with 18,222 listed as missing. The earthquake left about 4.8 million people homeless, although the number could be as high as 11 million.

Remembering (2009)

Earthquake in Sichuan ( )

Sunflower Seeds (2010)

Surveillance Camera (2010)

Ai Weiwei and Social Media: "The Internet is uncontrollable. And if the Internet is uncontrollable, freedom will win. It’s as simple as that." –Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei PBS News Hour Video-Art, China and Censorship According to Ai Weiwei