Author Description

"Ai Weiwei: Mirror & Hammer" provides an unprecedented exploration of the eclectic production of one of the most culturally and politically relevant artists of our time. Known for his interest in the creation and destruction of social imaginaries of power, Ai Weiwei (born 1957) poses fundamental questions about the ways in which art and culture relate to society and how society relates to individual existence. He eschews traditional boundaries of artistic disciplines, investigating sculpture, photography, video, design, the internet and architectural installation. Weiwei has become known for more than his prolific creative output: he has become a global figure, as his engagement with Chinese policies and critical activism has thrust the artist into the political spotlight. Featuring his most significant work since the 1990s, "Mirror & Hammer" delves into the symbolism of Weiwei's images, as well as exploring the power of civil activism and criticism.