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On Censorship
Artist and activist Ai Weiwei examines censorship and self-censorship, through the lens of his compelling personal history, offering readers profound insights into an important topic of current and perpetual relevance.
Ai Weiwei is one of contemporary art's greatest practitioners. He has been a voice for artistic and personal freedom of expression for decades within his native China and around the world.
This publication offers a compelling exploration of censorship and self-censorship. Drawing on his personal experiences and advocacy for human rights, Ai Weiwei provides a uniquely informed perspective. He examines how censorship persists in authoritarian regimes as well as subtly within democratic frameworks, corporate power, the arts, and social media, arguing that its concealed and pervasive nature poses a significant threat to genuine expression. This thought-provoking work by a singular voice invites readers to critically reconsider power, ideology, and the boundaries of free speech.
Ai Weiwei is one of contemporary art's greatest practitioners. He has been a voice for artistic and personal freedom of expression for decades within his native China and around the world.
This publication offers a compelling exploration of censorship and self-censorship. Drawing on his personal experiences and advocacy for human rights, Ai Weiwei provides a uniquely informed perspective. He examines how censorship persists in authoritarian regimes as well as subtly within democratic frameworks, corporate power, the arts, and social media, arguing that its concealed and pervasive nature poses a significant threat to genuine expression. This thought-provoking work by a singular voice invites readers to critically reconsider power, ideology, and the boundaries of free speech.
87 pages, Hardcover
Published January 31, 2026
7 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ai Weiwei
34 books74 followersAi Weiwei (Chinese: 艾未未; pinyin: Ài Wèiwèi, English pronunciation; born 28 August 1957) is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist. Ai grew up in the far northwest of China, where he lived under harsh conditions due to his father's exile.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 18, 2026
Quite enjoyed Weiwei's thoughts on Censorship. The sections that stood out my me were his thoughts on Censorship and AI and Surveillance. Out of the book, these were the two that gave me the most to think about afterwards. I also enjoyed the imagery which was provocative and led me to watching the video Dumbass he did. I think this is a good book as a starting point to led to other ideas and too give the reader questions to ask themselves.
I would say this is worth an afternoon reading.
I would say this is worth an afternoon reading.
Review of advance copy
This did not entirely live up to my expectations despite raising some interesting questions. The short form left it skimming over some topics more than I would have wanted. still it is a personal and interesting view of censorship.
February 13, 2026
Great, short read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews