Weiwei Ai

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, activist, and author known for his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government's stance on democracy and human rights. Born in Beijing in 1957, he spent his childhood in exile before studying at the Beijing Film Academy and later in New York. His multidisciplinary art practice spans sculpture, installation, photography, and film. In 2011, he was detained for 81 days without charge, an experience that intensified his activism. His memoir "1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows" interweaves his life story with that of his father, the celebrated poet Ai Qing, offering an intimate portrait of China's tumultuous modern history.