Ai Weiwei

Middle Finger in Black

€900

Edition of 100

Sold out

Love this work?

Our collectors sometimes rotate their collections and let us know when they would like to sell a work. Make an offer if you're interested in this piece and we'll connect you with matching artworks.

Middle Finger in Black belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

A radial composition references the obscene gesture – a raised middle finger – which defines Ai’s seminal series, Study of Perspective. Begun in 1995, the series asserts the importance of our collective freedom to form, hold and express individual beliefs. For the artist, the power of a simple gesture like this is that anyone can make it. The edition is printed on a silkscreen press and finished with an intricate layer of white gold leaf, applied by hand to dazzling effect.

In a new juncture for Study of Perspective, we’ve also collaborated with Ai to make his middle finger available to all – inviting any and everyone to share their own perspective on power. Add yours to the archive now.

Then, 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

The work is exceptional and looks fantastic. Thanks for doing a beautiful job executing and shipping it, very much appreciated.
Review of Actual Size
Expertly packaged & printed. We be getting it properly framed to hang. Thank you!
Review of Actual Size
I am so happy with my purchase, and really all the work that Avant Art is doing to connect real people with artists. thank you!
Review of Inner Love
Amazing job on the framing and shipping.
Review of Untitled
beautiful! thank you
Review of Sierra
print looks fabulous! super happy with it!
Review of Out of the Dark
Thanks for keeping me in the loop during the entire process. The packaging of the item was exceptional.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality and efficiency of your service. I've purchased art from various sources before, and some are still keeping me waiting. Consequently, I'm now a big admirer of your service. Thank you!
Review of Guardian

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Few left

Nicasio FernandezD.I.Y (Hand-finished)€4,000

Available

Danielle OrchardA Warm Garden€850

Upcoming

Keita MorimotoJewel Box & Evening Embers€1,300

Starts in 00d 00h 00m

Available

Sayre GomezAmerica's Tire€2,000