Ai Weiwei

Profession: Artist and Activist

Nationality:

Biography: Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist known for his bold commentary on social and political issues. i faced early adversity due to his father, Ai Qing's, exile during the Anti-Rightist Movement, which influenced his perspective and work.

In 1978, Ai Weiwei entered the Beijing Film Academy and co-founded the avant-garde art group the Stars, which was instrumental in introducing contemporary art to China. Although the group disbanded in 1983, Ai's involvement in exhibitions related to the Stars continued his engagement with the art community.

Ai moved to the United States in 1981, where he remained until 1993. During this time, he studied English and art, absorbing influences from various artists and forming a friendship with Allen Ginsberg. Upon his return to China, he co-published influential books on new artists and launched his first architectural project, FAKE Design, in 2003.

The year 2011 marked a turning point for Ai when he was arrested by the Chinese government for alleged "economic crimes" and detained for 81 days. In 2015, after his release, Ai settled in Berlin and subsequently lived in Cambridge, UK, and Portugal, where he continues his artistic and activist pursuits.

Ai is married to artist Lu Qing and fatherhood. He has also has son named Ai Lao with Wang Fen. He has maintained an active presence online, although these activities faced censorship by Chinese authorities. He is also known for initiating a citizen-led investigation into the casualties of the Sichuan earthquake, an act which brought him into direct conflict with the Chinese government.

Renowned for installations such as "Sunflower Seeds" at the Tate Modern and his contributions to designing the Beijing National Stadium, Ai's work often challenges social norms and government policies. His political activism and confrontations with the Chinese authorities have drawn widespread international attention.

Born: August 28, 1957
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Age: 66 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Virgo