Ai Weiwei

Free Speech

€1,200

Artwork

Edition of 10060.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cm

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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.

Framing

Two framing options are available. A matte black painted wooden frame with open grain, or a red painted wooden frame with a high gloss finish – both mounted on an off-white back board and fitted with UV plexiglass for protection.

Medium

11 colour silkscreen with spot varnish highlights and glow-in-the-dark details in phosphorescent ink, printed on 600gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper.

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Finishing

Individually numbered, signed by the artist, and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.

Release date

May 11, 2023

Payment

Pay with bank card, crypto, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you wish you to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.

Policies

Returns and refunds

This artwork is protected by a resale agreement, which all collectors will need to sign before placing an order. More details in our FAQs

Go deeper

06:12

Behind the scenes

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei31 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

the item was some of the most professional packing i have seen outside of a museum. exceptionally well packed
Review of Guardian
I love it! beautifully framed.Thanks
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
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
its wonderful. i love buying from you all.
Review of Sierra
Great service overall, makes an easy process for buying and shipping art which is typically difficult and expensive.
Review of Guardian
Always an amazing service from the team at Avant Art! Keep up the great work and collaborations.
Review of Study_for_Null_Portrait of someone#166
perfect customer service! thank you
Review of Untitled
great packaging, and the print is great!
Review of Guardian

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