Articles

China

Ai Weiwei, Free-speech Puzzle

Opinion

> 7 years ago

Author Ma Jian on Ai Weiwei and freedom of expression in China

Ma Jian is renowned for his novels exploring subjects censored in China, where his books are banned, and he has been barred from entering the Chinese mainland. Ahead of Ai Weiwei’s RA retrospective, we asked the writer about his admiration for the artist, and about the limits of free expression in China.
Ai Weiwei, Sunflower Seeds (detail)

RA Exhibitions

> 7 years ago

Ai Weiwei: 13 works to know

Ai Weiwei has worked in everything from paint to readymades. As our landmark exhibition examines work from 1993 up to the present day, we take a look at some of the key works to know from across Ai’s career.
Ai Weiwei, Coloured Vases

RA Exhibitions

> 7 years ago

Ai Weiwei: a beginner’s guide

From surveillance cameras to smashed ceramics, Ai Weiwei is uncompromising in his fight for the freedom of expression. Here’s what you need to know about China’s most famous artist.
Part of the installation work 'Tree' in Ai Weiwei's Beijing studio

RA Exhibitions

> 7 years ago

Introducing Ai Weiwei’s ‘Tree’

Curator Adrian Locke on the monumental installation that will be coming to the RA’s courtyard alongside our Ai Weiwei exhibition.
Portrait of Ai Weiwei

RA Exhibitions

> 7 years ago

Ai Weiwei at the RA: Sharing our vision for the show

Our collaboration with Ai Weiwei has extended to producing the exhibition’s poster image, catalogue and multimedia guide, explains curator Adrian Locke.
Red Brick Art Galleries and Studios in Beijing

RA Exhibitions

< 8 years ago

In the neighbourhood: Ai Weiwei’s ‘village’ in Beijing

A vibrant arts quarter has grown up around Ai Weiwei’s home and studio in Beijing. Our curator Adrian Locke explores the area, and finds himself on a journey into the city’s past.
Ai Weiwei's bicycle, positioned outside the entrance to his studio complex

Inside the Academy

8 years ago

Cats and conversations: laying out the exhibition with Ai Weiwei

At a meeting in his Beijing studio, Ai Weiwei and curator Adrian Locke plan the gallery layout for the artist’s major RA show this year.
Beijing on a sunny autumn day

Inside the Academy

8 years ago

In the studio: a glimpse into Ai Weiwei’s world

Curator Adrian Locke gets to know artist Ai Weiwei and his studio team on a sunny day in Beijing.
Tim Marlow talks to Ai Weiwei at his Beijing studio

RA Exhibitions

> 8 years ago

A visit to Ai Weiwei’s Beijing studio

As the RA prepares for a major Ai Weiwei exhibition in 2015, we visited the honorary Royal Academician at his studio in China.