Ai Weiwei by Uli Sigg

by Uli Sigg

Life of The artist activistAs his personal circumstances move in constant flux, Ai Weiwei remains a cultural magnet. Renowned for his political activism and social media activity almost as much as for his social interventions, contemporary approach to the readymade, and knowledge of Chinese traditional crafts, Ai s fame extends throughout and beyond the art world.Drawn from TASCHEN s limited Collector s Edition, this monograph explores each of Ai s career phases up until his release from Chinese custody. It features extensive visual material to trace Ai s development from his early New York days right through to his recent practice. Focus moments include his international breakthrough in the early 2000s, his porcelain Sunflower Seeds at the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern, his response to the Sichuan earthquake of 2008, and his police detention in 2011. With behind-the-scenes studio pictures, production shots, and numerous statements derived from exclusive interviews with Ai, we gain privileged access to the artist s process, influences, and importance.The book includes texts from Uli Sigg, Ai s longtime friend and former Swiss ambassador to China; Roger M. Buergel, who curated the 2007 documentary and hosted the artist s Fairytale piece; and experts on Chinese culture and Carlos Rojas, William A. Callahan, and James J. Lally.Text in English, French, and German"

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

Hardcover

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only time I've read a big Taschen book cover to cover. Excellent picture and print quality, with a thoroughly in depth look at one of the world's most important artists and political activists.

[OSLO Zeimantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is where you start with Ai Weiwei. With his art. Pictures. then you can get the vibe of how to save the world. And we can. We will. No problem.
The tensity of the book, the less polotico, makes it a nice read / look. The pictures of the art are amazing and incredibly moving. A true master. someone not to try to be, but listen to everything he says. He is teaching, and learning, and we all do this. Ai Weiwei changed my life.... in the way that I dont take anything from authority, and know whats right, it was like a light switch, its flipped on forever now....
Help you see you're potential, help develop self worth, because if you can in a world where, art is considered dangerous, you gotta stay that way. We all create, but its how you relate to the items. Each piece is perfectly laid out and you take what you want from it. The ideas are clear tho.
Pictures are SO nice, that I had to buy one, and put it on my wall. Something really special for me personally with this one. "TASCHEN" killed the push. <3

NOT a coffee table book. a book to read and enjoy, take joy from. I doubt anyone who knows, wont.
book removes daggers and fear from my heart. cant say more about this one, pick it up.
<3

100/100
get it here: https://www.taschen.com/pages/en/cata...

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated the commitment to use of quotes by the artist so often on the opposite page to the work of art. But to be honest could have used slightly less international media headline/start of bylines to explain timelines and general legal case information. Of course the reprint of the images of art were incredible especially remembering, straight, very yao, the wave, and study of perspective.