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Conversations
Ai Weiwei is one of the world's most acclaimed artists and dissidents. This book presents him in conversation with theorists, critics, journalists, and curators about key moments in his life and career.
These wide-ranging conversations flow between topics such as his relationship with China, the meaning of citizenship, moving his studio to Lesbos to be on the front lines of the migrant crisis, how to make art, and technology as a tool for freedom or oppression. Ai opens up about his relationship to his father as a poet and as a dissident forced into hard labor in a small village after the Cultural Revolution. He shares his thoughts on formal education and the importance of finding your own way as an artist.
New York--both the city and its people--were formative for Ai Weiwei, and he speaks eloquently about how these experiences continue to influence him. Ai conjures up scenes from his long relationship with the city: dropping out of Parsons School of Design because he couldn't afford tuition, making portraits in Washington Square Park as an undocumented immigrant in the 1980s, taking photos for the New York Times at demonstrations in Tompkins Square Park, and returning to set up the Good Fences Make Good Neighbors project across the city.
These candid, spontaneous conversations reveal why Ai Weiwei has become such a major force in contemporary art and political life.
These wide-ranging conversations flow between topics such as his relationship with China, the meaning of citizenship, moving his studio to Lesbos to be on the front lines of the migrant crisis, how to make art, and technology as a tool for freedom or oppression. Ai opens up about his relationship to his father as a poet and as a dissident forced into hard labor in a small village after the Cultural Revolution. He shares his thoughts on formal education and the importance of finding your own way as an artist.
New York--both the city and its people--were formative for Ai Weiwei, and he speaks eloquently about how these experiences continue to influence him. Ai conjures up scenes from his long relationship with the city: dropping out of Parsons School of Design because he couldn't afford tuition, making portraits in Washington Square Park as an undocumented immigrant in the 1980s, taking photos for the New York Times at demonstrations in Tompkins Square Park, and returning to set up the Good Fences Make Good Neighbors project across the city.
These candid, spontaneous conversations reveal why Ai Weiwei has become such a major force in contemporary art and political life.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Ai Weiwei
33 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2021
Thought-provoking conversations on freedom, activism, oppressive regimes, technology, art and the artist's place (literal and figurative).
I always find it fascinating to be able to understand what is behind someone's art or statement. Unfortunately, some of the topics are a bit repetitive, however AW brings new points of view and details to his stories.
I always find it fascinating to be able to understand what is behind someone's art or statement. Unfortunately, some of the topics are a bit repetitive, however AW brings new points of view and details to his stories.
January 19, 2022
No longer a fan of Ai Weiwei.
June 10, 2023
ai weiwei talks about his life in a witty, unique, and matter-of-fact way. it was interesting to see prestigious art world people interview this enigmatic artist. only thing is it’s a little repetitive.
September 20, 2020
Given Brazil’s politics these days, "Conversations" was a really bittersweet reading. Some of his thoughts and experiences would feel like a warning sign for something we’re just starting to notice around us, even though we’re talking about governments at opposite ends of the political spectrum.
I confess that although I knew Ai Weiwei’s work, and, therefore, parts of his personal life, there were other things I wasn’t aware of. And his sense of humour was one of them. I especially liked the way he would be able to explore diverse thoughts on some very similar questions – and it’s funny how we often ask the same things expecting a different answer.
Here, very special interviewers, such as the director of the Design Museum in London, Tim Marlow, talk to Weiwei about his thoughts on refugees, art, architecture, different points of view concerning freedom (and freedom of speech), and how creating fences is always a bad choice.
Gladly, I took my time with “Conversations". So I’d read one interview on one day and return to it sometimes after a day, sometimes after a week. Because of that, even when they were on similar topics, it wouldn’t seem repetitive.
Highly recommended for people invested in art talks, activism, and maybe even sociology.
I confess that although I knew Ai Weiwei’s work, and, therefore, parts of his personal life, there were other things I wasn’t aware of. And his sense of humour was one of them. I especially liked the way he would be able to explore diverse thoughts on some very similar questions – and it’s funny how we often ask the same things expecting a different answer.
Here, very special interviewers, such as the director of the Design Museum in London, Tim Marlow, talk to Weiwei about his thoughts on refugees, art, architecture, different points of view concerning freedom (and freedom of speech), and how creating fences is always a bad choice.
Gladly, I took my time with “Conversations". So I’d read one interview on one day and return to it sometimes after a day, sometimes after a week. Because of that, even when they were on similar topics, it wouldn’t seem repetitive.
Highly recommended for people invested in art talks, activism, and maybe even sociology.
January 16, 2021
This is the type of book that's even difficult to rate. Ai Weiwei is one of the greatest artists nowadays and it was a delight to read a book about his interviews, specially when we consider that he's such a controversial person.
I was glad to read both versions of Ai Weiwei that merge in only one: the artist and the activist. He speaks not only about his art, but about the world that surround us, the wold we know and that we don't, he speaks a lot about the politics in our every day life and how art is politcs and the other way around. So, when we read the book, it all makes sense, if Ai Weiwei talks about politics, he's also talking about art.
It's been a few years that I saw one of his exhibits when it came to my city for the last and first time and it was great to remember his works and to feel the need to know those I didn't, including his documentaries. And it was also amazing to know more about the story of his life, even if it can get a little repetitive.
The only negative side of this book for me was that I wish it was a little longer so Ai Weiwei could develop some of the subjects a bit longer, but overall it's totally worth it.
I was glad to read both versions of Ai Weiwei that merge in only one: the artist and the activist. He speaks not only about his art, but about the world that surround us, the wold we know and that we don't, he speaks a lot about the politics in our every day life and how art is politcs and the other way around. So, when we read the book, it all makes sense, if Ai Weiwei talks about politics, he's also talking about art.
It's been a few years that I saw one of his exhibits when it came to my city for the last and first time and it was great to remember his works and to feel the need to know those I didn't, including his documentaries. And it was also amazing to know more about the story of his life, even if it can get a little repetitive.
The only negative side of this book for me was that I wish it was a little longer so Ai Weiwei could develop some of the subjects a bit longer, but overall it's totally worth it.
August 31, 2020
I got a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
A friend of mine got a copy of this book and was talking about it which made me curious.
I've heard about Ai Weiwei before but I knew pretty much nothing about him or his works, so I dived into this without knowing what to expect (besides what my friend had already showed me). Now I can tell you with certain I'm in love with him and his work, and the way he talks and expresses himself.
In "Conversations" you'll read about his work as an artist and as an architect, about China, about how the westnern society sees freedom as an individual thing rather than a collective and that always sounds strange to him (it is very strange if you ask me). I ended up wanting to seek all his work to study and appreciate it, and already reccomended it to at least four other people.
The only "negative" thing I have to say about it it's that I think it works much better if you don't read it all at once like I did. A lot of the questions are similar and it can sound repetitive. I'd suggest taking your time with it.
A friend of mine got a copy of this book and was talking about it which made me curious.
I've heard about Ai Weiwei before but I knew pretty much nothing about him or his works, so I dived into this without knowing what to expect (besides what my friend had already showed me). Now I can tell you with certain I'm in love with him and his work, and the way he talks and expresses himself.
In "Conversations" you'll read about his work as an artist and as an architect, about China, about how the westnern society sees freedom as an individual thing rather than a collective and that always sounds strange to him (it is very strange if you ask me). I ended up wanting to seek all his work to study and appreciate it, and already reccomended it to at least four other people.
The only "negative" thing I have to say about it it's that I think it works much better if you don't read it all at once like I did. A lot of the questions are similar and it can sound repetitive. I'd suggest taking your time with it.
April 17, 2022
Ai Weiwei has troll tendencies so it was fun to see him, in different ways, thwart each of his interviewers.
All the same, I feel the interview format is not ideal for understanding such a figure. It was interesting to feel what some interviewers wanted (a fine, MFA-level conversation about activism and art) juxtaposed with his real authentic expression.
This feels like a book that shouldn’t be a book. Not in a bad way. But to try to civilize Ai Weiwei is like trying to dress up a wild animal, and that is his charm.
All the same, I feel the interview format is not ideal for understanding such a figure. It was interesting to feel what some interviewers wanted (a fine, MFA-level conversation about activism and art) juxtaposed with his real authentic expression.
This feels like a book that shouldn’t be a book. Not in a bad way. But to try to civilize Ai Weiwei is like trying to dress up a wild animal, and that is his charm.
September 8, 2020
Conversation by/with Ai Weiwei is an eye-opening exploration of the artist and the person. These largely take the form of questions and answers but there is an informal feel to much of it that promotes a sense of openness and honesty.
While I know of Ai Weiwei, and had seen a couple of his works (online), I didn't really know anything about him. I wasn't sure whether this was the format for me to learn about him but it seemed like as good a first step as any. Turns out he is the type of person who will answer pretty much any question as well as he can, so I was richly rewarded with this book. I did do a quick online check so I wouldn't go into the conversations completely ignorant and it did help a little, but I think I would have been just as pleased had I simply started reading.
I read one conversation/interview a day, partly because this type of format lends itself to such a reading and partly because interviews can often cover the same or similar ground so I didn't want to feel like I was rereading something. Turns out that even when some of the same ground was covered he managed to find different paths into the topic, so it wasn't as repetitive as it could have been.
I came away with both a deep appreciation of the man and a desire to learn more about his art and activism. This book should appeal to most readers with an interest in art and/or activism. It will also be an interesting read no matter how much you already know, or don't know, about Ai Weiwei.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
While I know of Ai Weiwei, and had seen a couple of his works (online), I didn't really know anything about him. I wasn't sure whether this was the format for me to learn about him but it seemed like as good a first step as any. Turns out he is the type of person who will answer pretty much any question as well as he can, so I was richly rewarded with this book. I did do a quick online check so I wouldn't go into the conversations completely ignorant and it did help a little, but I think I would have been just as pleased had I simply started reading.
I read one conversation/interview a day, partly because this type of format lends itself to such a reading and partly because interviews can often cover the same or similar ground so I didn't want to feel like I was rereading something. Turns out that even when some of the same ground was covered he managed to find different paths into the topic, so it wasn't as repetitive as it could have been.
I came away with both a deep appreciation of the man and a desire to learn more about his art and activism. This book should appeal to most readers with an interest in art and/or activism. It will also be an interesting read no matter how much you already know, or don't know, about Ai Weiwei.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 27, 2020
Thought provoking and engaging. I was looking forward to reading this book and it was a pleasure. I am very familiar with the artist's work and have been intigused with his use of political activism as seen through the 'eyes' of art. The artist clearly makes his points known as he provides an often breath taking visual that isn't always pretty- but the outcome drives the point home.
I enjoyed the format of interview questions with answers. The artist has a somewhat quiet, reserved demeanor and I believe the interviewer helped draw him out, so he was able to expand on his premise of using art as a vehicle for change. Or at the very least, raise the question.
I enjoyed reading th backstory of his life, which brought him to present day-oppresion in China. He as wel as his father struggled, both artists, writers who believe in the power of using art as a vehicle of self expression and change.
Thank you NetGalley, Ai WeiWei and Columbia University Press for the opportunity to read this compelling book.
jb
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed the format of interview questions with answers. The artist has a somewhat quiet, reserved demeanor and I believe the interviewer helped draw him out, so he was able to expand on his premise of using art as a vehicle for change. Or at the very least, raise the question.
I enjoyed reading th backstory of his life, which brought him to present day-oppresion in China. He as wel as his father struggled, both artists, writers who believe in the power of using art as a vehicle of self expression and change.
Thank you NetGalley, Ai WeiWei and Columbia University Press for the opportunity to read this compelling book.
jb
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
March 11, 2021
I received a free e-ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ai Weiwei has been on my radar ever since I had a discussion about him in class at university. At the time he was under house arrest and we were talking about the links between art and activism, especially in the context of China.
These six conversations between took place between Ai Weiwei and various art critics and journalists took place in the context of his 2017 exhibition 'Good Fences Make Good Neighbours.'
While I found parts of these conversations repetitive (which is the nature of interviews in my opinion), for the most part I was absolutely riveted. It was interesting to learn more about Ai Weiwei's background (family, career etc.), as well as the connections between his art (including film) and activism. He has a big personality that goes with his big ideas, and it was fascinating to see more of the man behind the curtain.
I'd recommend this book to fans of his work, as well as anyone with an interest in modern art, and even activism. I would recommend reading each conversation with a bit of time in between due to the repetition of material.
Ai Weiwei has been on my radar ever since I had a discussion about him in class at university. At the time he was under house arrest and we were talking about the links between art and activism, especially in the context of China.
These six conversations between took place between Ai Weiwei and various art critics and journalists took place in the context of his 2017 exhibition 'Good Fences Make Good Neighbours.'
While I found parts of these conversations repetitive (which is the nature of interviews in my opinion), for the most part I was absolutely riveted. It was interesting to learn more about Ai Weiwei's background (family, career etc.), as well as the connections between his art (including film) and activism. He has a big personality that goes with his big ideas, and it was fascinating to see more of the man behind the curtain.
I'd recommend this book to fans of his work, as well as anyone with an interest in modern art, and even activism. I would recommend reading each conversation with a bit of time in between due to the repetition of material.
April 24, 2023
I suggest reading the one page preface for a little bit of context before deciding whether you want to read this collection of interviews. These 6 interviews took place to promote Ai Weiwei's 2017 installation "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" in New York City. There's also a good amount of discussion of his 2017 documentary "Human Flow." If you're a big fan of either of those works, you will probably enjoy these. It is not a "greatest hits" collection, by any means. I picked it up because I admire Ai's art and activism (and I still do), but I know now I'm not particularly a fan of his interviews. Although he has led a fascinating life, he's such an eccentric person that I think I would get more out of a biography written about him by someone else than I do hearing him talk about himself.
September 28, 2020
I appreciate this book, as it puts into writing verbal interviews which would otherwise not be available. It is interesting to see how Ai Weiwei's thoughts progress from one topic to the next. The amount of different artwork he's produced is astonishing and these interviews show in some parts how multifaceted his mind is, In certain instances he mades jumps which are difficult to follow and maybe some explanatory footnotes would be helpful. But on the other hand, if one is interested in his story one can also start researching his art and his life.
January 21, 2021
This collection of interviews gave interesting insight into Ai Weiwei's thoughts, particularly around issues of immigration and the refugee crisis in Europe, and his artistic process more broadly. It was interesting to get more information into his thoughts about his work and how he approaches it. I found the way he describes himself as not very creative and that his art is more straightforward as very interesting. I also enjoyed seeing photographs of his public art installations in New York that I've never seen in person.
August 14, 2021
It would be better to watch these interviews rather than read them, as the some of the same topics are spoken about across the 7 interviews in this book. That said, this book was really great and I look forward to watching Ai Weiwei's documentaries now.
September 9, 2021
Refugees, freedom, walls/fences, art, activism, all the difficult topics that one can be very neutral or very blunt and honest about. Ai Weiwei has a strong opinion and a voice and I found this collection of conversations quite interesting
February 9, 2021
These six public discussions were held in conjunction with Ai Wei Wei's "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" exhibition in 2017. Working with the Public Art Fund a variety of Wei Wei's work was publicly displayed in every borough of New York. The conversations were held with opposites of different specialties - art, architecture, politics, etc. They range over those topics and more in a conversational manner. Certainly there are insights into Wei Wei's past, his methods and interests, but it's also clear that there is much more to the man than any public discussion will ever reveal. There are glimpses of his humor, pragmatism and some of the emotions that drive his work. It's all an easy, enjoyable read that is also thought provoking.
I received this book compliments of Columbia University Press and NetGalley.
I received this book compliments of Columbia University Press and NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews