1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai WeiWei
Chinese artist Ai WeiWei tells the story of his life, the influences, and the impact of his work on the world.
Art is protest, art is communication, art is a voice for those who cannot speak. Ai WeiWei transforms life into experiences. As a citizen of China WeiWei was not always free to express criticism of life in China, always under surveillance and often in disfavor WeiWei describes his story of detention, government removal of his art, hidden meanings in his works, and a total devotion to his work.
As a child of the poet Ai Qing, WeiWei was often exiled with his father during times when the popularity of Ai Quig was trouble for the Chinese leadership. Childhood was feast followed by famine, comforts given and taken, accolades given and then public shaming for being too visible. These experiences shaped WeiWei into someone who focused on his works to the (in my opinion) detriment of others.
As a memoir, WeiWei focuses on the events that are to him meaningful and important. A great insight into the mind of an artist, but he tells on himself a bit with the handling of his wife, partner and child. A bit dismissive of that aspect of his life.
As a memoir, WeiWei focuses on the events that are to him meaningful and important. A great insight into the mind of an artist, but he tells on himself a bit with the handling of his wife, partner and child. A bit dismissive of that aspect of his life.
Ai WeiWei, as an artist is diverse in his mediums and this memoir walks us through some of the processes of his most notable works.
Read: January 2023
Met: Heather's
Met: Heather's
Picker: Heather
