Ai Weiwei

Free Speech

€1,200

Artwork

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

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.’

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

communication, shipping integrity, and overall piece were all great! recommended!
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
Beyond my expectations and Avante Arte will be my only source for online art. No others compare to the artists and perfectionism that Avante Arte offers. Thank you.
Review of Guardian
Fantastic work, fantastic customer experience
Review of Lost in Time
the presentation when I received this was everything and perfect. First time purchasing from AA but very impressed with all the attention to detail from the glove placement to packaging.
Review of Guardian
It looks great and is one of our favorite pieces to add to our collection. We think the printing looks fantastic!
Review of Scaffold
Every detail about this work is brilliant, especially the work itself. Thank you for bringing an incredible talent pool of artists to the public.
Review of Scaffold
its wonderful. i love buying from you all.
Review of Sierra
so impressed with packaging! stunning print!
Review of Inner Love

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Grayson PerryMagical Thinking (Large)€20,200

Available

Super Future KidI beg your Garden€1,500

Draw

Zeng FanzhiRainbow (Mask Series 1997 no.8)€1,025Closing on 22 July

Draw

LYLUV New Beginnings€2,300Closing in 00d 00h 00m