Ai Weiwei

Free Speech

€1,200

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

Ai Weiwei

22 collaborations

Ai 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

thank you very much. Everything was perfect. You went above my expectations (quality of packaging, frame, goodies). It was a really great experience.
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
what an amazing experience from top to bottom. The best communication, print quality and packing. This is my first time purchasing from you and I look forward to my next purchase.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
Love my new Snowfro piece and all the little extras that came with it! The tote bag in particular is immaculate 🤌
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
i appreciate the speedy delivery and all interaction regarding my purchase was efficient and pleasant.
Review of Laying in the Grass (Hand-finished)
this is a. very good way to make great artisrs’ work affordable. well done
Review of Women Without Men #2, 2009
Great experience all around, thank you! I love what you do and the fact that it allows me to own artist works whose originals I wouldn't be able to afford.
Review of Paysage d’Intérieur (printemps)
It's my 1st art piece and I love it! I wish I got it framed.
Review of Guardian
Great job! love the artwork.really impressed with your packing and what is included. It shows you care about what you do and leaves a great impression. thank you
Review of Maya & Interior

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