Since Ai Weiwei was detained there have been Free Ai Weiwei protests and events across the globe. But why was he detained and what is it about his work that causes such protests? Ai Weiwei Speaks with hans Ulrich Obrist explores these questions in Ai Weiwei's own words.

'If artists betray the social conscience and the basic principles of being human, where does art stand then?'

Ai Weiwei - artist, architect, curator, publisher, poet and urbanist - extended the notion of art and is one of the world's most significant creative and cultural figures. In this series of interviews, conducted over several years with the curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, he discusses the many dimensions of his artistic life, ranging over subjects including ceramics, blogging, nature, philosophy and the myriad influences that have fed into his work. He also talks candidly about his father, his childhood spent in exile and his criticism of the Chinese state.

Together, these extraordinary discussions give a unique insight into the outstanding complexity of Ai Weiwei's thought and work, and are an essential reminder of the need for personal, political and artistic freedom.

Ai Weiwei is the creator of the show Sunflower Seeds at Tate Modern. He has not been seen since he was detained at Beijing Airport on 3rd April 2011 on suspicion of "economic crimes" against the Chinese state. The Tate Modern currently displays 'Free Ai Weiwei' on its roof overlooking the river. Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ai Weiwei have known each other since the 1990s. Hans Ulrich is 'the most influential man in the art world'. He will support the book with publicity and is extremely well-known internationally.

 

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist, designer, architect, curator, blogger and publisher.

Hans Ulrich Obrist is a curator and critic. Since 2006 he has been Co-director of Exhibitions and Programmes and Director of International Projects at the Serpentine Gallery, London.

 

“Ai Weiwei is the kind of visionary any nation should be proud to count among its creative class. He has drawn the world's attention to the vibrancy of contemporary Chinese culture...For the world, Ai continues to represent the promise of China.”---- Jon Huntsman, US Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2011, Time Magazine, 100 Most Influential People in the World 2011