Ai Weiwei

Free Speech

€1,200

Artwork

Edition of 100

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Free Speech belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

The edition encompasses rife global friction between free expression and censorship. Birds with open beaks – a nod to Twitter – hover above a symmetrical arrangement of razor wire, printed in 11 distinct layers on a silkscreen press. Glossy, vibrant colours contrast a matte black underprint, while a series of varnish highlights and phosphorescent details anoint the composition with depth and drama.

Stylistically, the work is an ode to papercut artworks made by the artist’s father – a renowned poet persecuted by the Chinese government – during his childhood. Ai's interest in paper cutting also stems from its historic status as a domestic pursuit, rather than a viable artistic medium.

Go behind the scenes at Make-Ready in London as Ai reflects on the profundities of printmaking, and its lineage within his practice.

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06:12

Behind the scenes

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei27 collaborationsAi Weiwei is unafraid to speak truth to power. He’s one of the most famous living artists today – a testament to the breadth and vision of his practice. Effortlessly, he moves between different media, from sculpture and architecture to performance and documentary film. His work is often monumental in scale and is driven by a hunger for truth and justice. In 2008, for example, Ai spent many months collecting the names of over 5000 children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake. This unflinching dedication to human rights saw him detained by the Chinese government for 81 days in 2011, accused of ‘subverting the state.’

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Reviews from Avant collectors

everything in the communication has been pretty clear and fluid, the tracking before delivery was detailled and fast, the packaging was enought secured and the final artwork is incredible !
Review of B BOY JUSHI
Very smooth transaction. The piece is beautiful. Can;t wait to get it framed.
Review of Guardian
packaging was great and the framing is beautiful! thanks
Review of SIGNAL
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
Amazing platform and communication! Amazing art and print quality! Great service and support! Thanks!
Review of Guardian
Excellent on every level - buying experience, communication, framing and packaging by (which was exceptional) and of course, the actual artwork - it is stunning in real life - really delighted.
Review of Guardian
Excellent quality of execution - love it!
Review of B BOY JUSHI
Great service and communication
Review of Actual Size

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