Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei trained at the Beijing Film Academy, later moving to New York City in 1981. There, he encountered conceptual art and Duchamp's readymades, which influenced his approach. He returned to China in 1993, a period of rapid change. His work often explores themes of censorship, human rights, and the individual's place within society.

After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Ai Weiwei launched a "Citizens' Investigation" to document the names of thousands of children who died due to poorly constructed school buildings. This act of public record-keeping, alongside his art, solidified his reputation as a dissident voice. His installation "Sunflower Seeds" (2010), comprising millions of hand-painted porcelain seeds, filled Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, inviting visitors to reflect on mass production and individuality.

Following his detention, Ai Weiwei’s passport was confiscated for four years. He eventually left China in 2015, moving to Berlin and later to Portugal. His art continues to address global issues, particularly the refugee crisis, through large-scale installations and films. He uses his platform to challenge viewers to consider political freedoms and social responsibility.