While studying at the Beijing Film Academy (1978–81) Ai Weiwei became one of the founding members of the Xing Xing (Stars) Group which championed freedom of thought and expression. Ai Weiwei moved to New York in 1981 where he immersed himself in modern and contemporary art. He was quickly defined as a neo-dadaist, because he critically addressed traditions and conventions of art and cultural stereotypes in a similar way to Marcel Duchamp’s provocative works which scandalised the art world in the first decades of the twentieth century.
Ai Weiwei’s works respond to China’s rich artistic heritage by reconfiguring objects such as Ming and Qing dynasty furniture and porcelain, Han dynasty urns and Neolithic vases.
Ai Weiwei returned to Beijing in 1993 where he continues to work as an artist, curator, publisher, editor and architect. He is one of the most eminent artists of his generation and his work has been shown extensively in the United States, Belgium, Germany, France, Korea and Japan. His work was included in the 'First Guangzhou Triennial 2002', China; the '48th Venice Biennale 1999', Italy; and 'Zones of Contact: 2006 Biennale of Sydney'. He is also working on a major architectural project — Beijing Olympic Stadium — with Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron.
Watermall, QAG
A full-colour publication is available from the Gallery Store.
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Street address
Stanley Place
South Bank
Brisbane
Australia
Postal address
PO Box 3686
South Brisbane
Queensland 4101
Australia
Telephone
+ 61 (0)7 3840 7303
Fax
+ 61 (0)7 3844 8865
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Saturday and Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm
ABN
66 758 806 810
