Ai Weiwei: designer of the "Birds Nest" Stadium for the Beijing Olympics, creator of the Sunflower exhibit at the Tate, political and human rights actvist...
In the past few years Ai Weiwei's controversial artwork has earned him a huge following in the art world, while simultaneously undermining the many shortcomings of the Chinese government. Upset by the lack of truthful information provided by officials, Ai has decided to take matters into his own hands to do what he knows must be done.
Ignoring warnings from friends, family, and other artists alike Ai Weiwei refuses to back down. Despite being detained by police, placed under house arrest, paying millions of dollars in fines, and having his studio demolished he truly believes that China can be slowly changed into a more democratic nation if people are willing to work together. Though Chinese firewalls and extremely stiff censorship laws constantly prevent Ai from getting his message across by himself, it cannot stop others from spreading the word for him.
Watching and reading various talks, lectures, videos, and articles about Ai Weiwei, this artist makes very clear the stance he takes in regards to modern technology. Simply put, "An individual can make an effort and an individual can make an impact..." (Weiwei). In order to do this Weiwei encourages people to seize the power of the internet. With the rapid advancements technology is making it is extremely easy to utilize websites, blogs, and social media sites to remain informed and find the truth. Not the truth in the words of government officials and mass media outlets, but a raw uncensored truth only possible when people communicate with one another. By spreading information online it is possible to leave behind the world where freedom of speech is not allowed and spread the truth as it should be told.
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