Ai Weiwei Handbook

Ai Weiwei: Between Art and Activism.

The son of Chinese poet Ai Qing, Ai Weiwei had a difficult childhood marked by political tensions. His father was accused of rightism, leading the Communist Party to send the family to a labor camp when Ai was just one year old, followed by 16 years in exile. After studying in the United States during the 1980s, he returned to China, where he became a leading figure in contemporary art, blending Chinese traditions with social critique. Known for his impactful works, he denounces censorship, corruption, and human rights abuses. Arrested in 2011, he now lives in exile, continuing his fight for freedom of expression through art.

This 148-page book retraces the career of the Chinese artist and activist through his major works — from artistic provocation to political commitment.