Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei, born in 1957 in Beijing, China, is a globally recognized contemporary artist and activist. His work spans various mediums, including sculpture, installations, architecture, and film. Ai's art often combines traditional Chinese forms with contemporary approaches and is known for its strong socio-political commentary, particularly his criticism of the Chinese government's stance on democracy and human rights. Notable works include the "Sunflower Seeds" exhibition at Tate Modern in London, where he filled the Turbine Hall with millions of handmade porcelain sunflower seeds, and his role in designing the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ai has received numerous awards, such as the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent from the Human Rights Foundation. His work "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads" fetched £3.4 million at auction. Read more about Arts.