Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Ai Weiwei Biography
Ai Weiwei, born on August 28, 1957, in Beijing, China, is a figure whose influence transcends the boundaries of art to engage with the socio-political landscape of modern China and the world. The son of the renowned poet Ai Qing, Ai Weiwei's early life was marked by hardship and struggle due to his father's political dissent against the Chinese government. In 1958, Ai Qing was denounced during the Anti-Rightist Movement, leading to the family's exile to a labor camp in remote Heilongjiang and then to Xinjiang. It wasn't until the death of Mao Zedong and the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976 that the family was allowed to return to Beijing.
Ai Weiwei's artistic journey began at the Beijing Film Academy, where he was part of the early avant-garde art group the "Stars," which sought to challenge the cultural status quo and promote artistic freedom. Seeking a broader horizon, Ai moved to the United States in 1981, where he attended the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California, Berkeley, and Parsons School of Design in New York. However, he found his most valuable education in the streets of New York's East Village, immersing himself in the vibrant art scene and forming a significant friendship with the influential Beat poet Allen Ginsberg.
In 1993, Ai returned to China to care for his ailing father. This return marked the beginning of Ai's deep engagement with the Chinese art scene and his critical stance against the government's policies. He contributed to the establishment of Beijing's East Village and co-founded the China Art Archives & Warehouse, one of the first independent art spaces in China. His architectural practice also flourished during this time, most notably with his collaboration on the design of the Beijing National Stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest," for the 2008 Olympics.
Ai Weiwei's art is characterized by its direct engagement with social and political issues, often blending high art with activism in a manner that challenges both the Chinese government and global audiences. His work encompasses a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, architecture, photography, film, and social media. One of his most famous works, "Sunflower Seeds" (2010), involved the creation of millions of hand-painted porcelain seeds, filling the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall and inviting reflection on mass production, individuality, and the human condition.
Throughout his career, Ai has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government's stance on democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech. His activism has led to various forms of repression, including a high-profile arrest in 2011 for alleged "economic crimes." Ai was detained for 81 days without charge, an event that drew international attention and criticism. Despite these challenges, Ai continues to use his art to advocate for social justice, not only in China but around the world, addressing global issues such as the refugee crisis through powerful installations and documentary films.
Ai Weiwei's influence extends beyond the art world into the realm of activism, where he uses his platform to challenge injustice and inspire change. His work is a testament to the power of art as a form of resistance and a catalyst for social and political transformation. Living in various countries since leaving China, including Germany and the United Kingdom, Ai Weiwei remains a global citizen whose art and activism continue to resonate with people across the world, embodying the struggle for freedom and the unyielding spirit of resistance against oppression.
Ai Weiwei Quotes and Sales of
Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: