Ai Weiwei. Updated Edition

Ai Weiwei is renowned not only for his art but also for his fervent advocacy for free expression and his stance against unchecked governmental power. His projects extend well beyond the realm of art. When he brought 1,001 Chinese citizens from various backgrounds to Documenta 12, or when he scattered over 100 million handmade porcelain sunflower seeds in the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, his work demonstrated a profound commitment to social and political causes. Other notable projects include a commemorative frieze of school bags for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake and his film "Human Flow," which focuses on global refugee camps and the personal stories often overlooked by society. Ai's defiance of authority led to his arrest by Chinese authorities in 2011; he was detained for 81 days, and his passport was confiscated, only to be returned in 2015 after substantial international pressure. This allowed him to resume traveling, establish a base in Berlin, and eventually relocate to Portugal, reinforcing his position as a global artist whose work is deeply interwoven with his activism. This new edition of TASCHEN’s updated Ai Weiwei monograph spotlights a decade of his artistic endeavors and activism, expanding the coverage to encompass 40 years of work. It chronicles his artistic evolution from exile in 1980s New York to his more recent creations in Europe that include toy-brick mosaics, films, and installations advocating for human rights. Originally developed in close collaboration with Ai at a time when he faced travel restrictions, the book has been revisited by the same team to further the narrative of his life and work. Alongside numerous images from Ai’s archives showcasing his studio, artwork production, and political activism, the book includes dedicated artist statements and three comprehensive essays. Independent curator Roger M. Buergel and art historian Alfred Weidinger delve into the thematic evolution of Ai's work through detailed discussions, while Uli Sigg, a long-time friend, entrepreneur, and collector, provides an intimate portrayal of the artist over time.