Ai Weiwei

Free Speech

€1,200

Edition of 100

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

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.

Go deeper

06:12

Behind the scenes

Ai Weiwei

18 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.’

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

print looks fabulous! super happy with it!
Review of Out of the Dark
Super stoked... exceeded expectations. Great framing and packaging and love the extra details in the authenticity card, bag, stickers.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
incredibly smooth international transaction! The best of the best and look forward to future purchases together
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
I think your service excellent. Sufficient information throughout the process, not too many emails, thank you. Wrapping 5stars. And the print is superb! Fulfills my little dreamsof owning some art and supporting arti/artists that deserve it.
Review of Dissipate
outstanding paper quality and excellent packaging. love it.
Review of Actual Size
this is a. very good way to make great artisrs’ work affordable. well done
Review of Women Without Men #2, 2009
A wonderful experience from start to finish.
Review of Open Mind (Small)
Such a great and perfect experience working with Avant Arte. I am forever grateful for your kindness and communication throughout this entire process. Art was delivered perfectly, beautifully, and on-time, as promised. Love your company!
Review of Actual Size

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Gisela McDanielAre you watching?€4,000

Available

Marcus JansenAfro Painter€850

Draw

Joakim OjanenThe dance we dance when we are together€500

Closing on 22 January

Available

Sayre GomezAmerica's Tire€2,000