Ai Weiwei

Name: Free Speech
Price: 1200.0 EUR
Availability: SoldOut

Free Speech

Edition of 100

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Free Speech belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

The edition encompasses rife global friction between free expression and censorship. Birds with open beaks – a nod to Twitter – hover above a symmetrical arrangement of razor wire, printed in 11 distinct layers on a silkscreen press. Glossy, vibrant colours contrast a matte black underprint, while a series of varnish highlights and phosphorescent details anoint the composition with depth and drama.

Stylistically, the work is an ode to papercut artworks made by the artist’s father – a renowned poet persecuted by the Chinese government – during his childhood. Ai's interest in paper cutting also stems from its historic status as a domestic pursuit, rather than a viable artistic medium.

Go behind the scenes at Make-Ready in London as Ai reflects on the profundities of printmaking, and its lineage within his practice.

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Ai Weiwei: Printing Power

Behind the scenes

Ai Weiwei

7 collaborations

Ai Weiwei is unafraid to speak truth to power. He’s one of the most famous living artists today – a testament to the breadth and vision of his practice. Effortlessly, he moves between different media, from sculpture and architecture to performance and documentary film. His work is often monumental in scale and is driven by a hunger for truth and justice. In 2008, for example, Ai spent many months collecting the names of over 5000 children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake. This unflinching dedication to human rights saw him detained by the Chinese government for 81 days in 2011, accused of ‘subverting the state.’

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Excellent on every level - buying experience, communication, framing and packaging by (which was exceptional) and of course, the actual artwork - it is stunning in real life - really delighted.
Review of Guardian
Amazing platform and communication! Amazing art and print quality! Great service and support! Thanks!
Review of Guardian
Great service overall, makes an easy process for buying and shipping art which is typically difficult and expensive.
Review of Guardian
so impressed with packaging! stunning print!
Review of Inner Love
lovely piece i am absolutely delighted with it thank you
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Having purchased many items from outside NZ, I can say with sincerity, that the communications, packaging and delivery have been exemplary! A copybook experience for an online, overseas art purchase. Thank you!
Review of Out of the Dark
awesome experience all around, kudos to you all!
Review of Sierra
its simply wonderful. the quality is beautiful. thanks to all at AA.
Review of Untitled

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