Ai Wei Wei

            After watching the documentary about the Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei, I felt very empowered. Ai Wei Wei is a great inspiration to all artists. He is not afraid to express his thoughts and feelings explicitly in his work. This is a characteristic that all artists should possess. However, Ai Wei Wei mentioned several times in the documentary that he is not brave, and that he is afraid. This is understandable, seeing as his art usually is opposing the Chinese government and their laws. In this way, Ai Wei Wei is saying that he does not like the way that the powerful entities of his country are running things. This certainly calls for fear. Ai Wei Wei is simply expressing his fear and in a way he is causing fear in the minds of others. Yet the way that most viewers of Ai Wei Wei’s art feel when they see his work is probably empowered and informed. Viewers probably do not feel a sense of fear when seeing his work. I find this very interesting about Ai Wei Wei, because as afraid as he is, he is still doing something, and he is being an example and a leader for others to do something about their fears as well.

            It seems that when Ai Wei Wei visited New York in the 80’s, his art was really beginning to develop. During his time in New York, he was of course given absolute freedom to do whatever he wanted with his art. Perhaps if Ai Wei Wei did not visit New York, he would not be creating his art so freely. Perhaps Ai Wei Wei found the idea of freedom—particularly in the artistic sense—in New York, and he still has an urge to bring that freedom to China.

            There is no doubt that Ai Wei Wei is an optimist. However afraid he is, the fact that he continues with his work no matter what happens to him, proves that he is hopeful that change will come. It is easy to look up to someone like Ai Wei Wei, particularly as an artist. All artists should have a cause, reason, or theory behind their work. Often, these things can be scary, personal, or emotional to share with viewers. Often, artists are afraid of judgement and confusion from viewers. Yet, as artists, we must have the courage to express our causes, reasons, theories, and emotions. It is a raw and sometimes painful thing to do, yet the best work comes when we are most honest and straightforward to viewers. Ai Wei Wei is a perfect example of an artist who conveys this properly.

            The fact that Ai Wei Wei allows and requests that other do the physical act of making a lot of his artwork can seem alarming to some. However, the idea of bringing people together and allowing them to create something that speaks against politics in China, seems like good tactic to get other involved and on board with the ideas that the artist are getting at. It is actually a kind idea to allow everyday people to be involved in the making of his art, because it makes them feel involved and empowered.

            Ai Wei Wei’s many mediums of art is proof that Ai Wei Wei is a very conceptual artist rather than just a physical technician. Furthermore, Ai Wei Wei’s work can be very repetitive and blatant, such as the photos of his middle finger, which seem to be an ongoing project. Yet somehow, his work has become symbolic, and viewers continue to want to see more of the same concept. It is interesting to see the new ways in which Ai Wei Wei is able to oppose the Chinese government with his work. The idea of changing mediums of one’s art is a good example of how to get the concept of one’s work set in stone. Perhaps it would be a good exercise for artists to try different mediums and ways to express the same thought.

            Overall, Ai Wei Wei and his work are very impactful, empowering, and thought-provoking, if not action-provoking as well. Ai Wei Wei is an unstoppable artist, who teaches so many things to so many people. The biggest lesson being to stand up and do something for what one believes. Ai Wei Wei is someone to look up to for inspiration for any artist with any artist statement.