Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is one of the most influential contemporary artists and activists of our time. Born in Beijing in 1957, he is the son of poet Ai Qing and was shaped by the hardships of China’s Cultural Revolution. After studying in Beijing and later in the U.S., Ai developed a multidisciplinary practice influenced by conceptual art and political dissent.

His work spans sculpture, installation, photography, film, and architecture, often addressing themes of human rights, freedom of expression, and state power. Notable projects include the Sunflower Seeds installation at Tate Modern and his co-design of the Beijing National Stadium. Ai continues to use art and media as powerful tools for social and political critique on a global scale.