00:15

Ai Weiwei

Guardian

€650

Edition of 1601

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

Self-satire meets storied symbolism in a sparkling silkscreen print by Ai Weiwei.

In Chinese tradition, a Door God is placed at an entrance or threshold to protect those inside from harm. By casting himself as this totemic figure, Weiwei acknowledges his standing in global consciousness, draws parallels with his life as an artist, and attempts to resolve the two.

Familiar motifs nod to the negative influences that Weiwei, in divine form, might ward off – from censorship and propaganda to corruption and surveillance. Red, meanwhile, promises good fortune for the year ahead.

To create the edition, printers at Make-Ready developed a new technique designed to echo a ceramic tile or cast concrete in silkscreen form. Bespoke gold ink ‘overloaded’ with metallic pigment and glitter is applied to the paper as a solid layer, then veiled by a layer of vibrant red to reveal an intricate illustration in negative space.

Go deeper

Behind the scenes

01:14
00:51

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei27 collaborationsAi 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.’

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

I absolutely love the textured details. The picture literally pops off the canvas and the floating frame encompasses those details perfectly. Amazing job by Jake Fried and the Avant Arte team! I'm excited for my next purchase.
Review of Open Eyes (Signal)
print looks fabulous! super happy with it!
Review of Out of the Dark
I am extremely pleased with both the packaging and delivery of the piece. Your attention to detail in handling and packaging surpasses that of many galleries. Your commitment to respecting the artwork is truly commendable. Excellent job!
Review of Untitled
really pleased, would happily recommend and also purchase again from Avant Arte
Review of Actual Size
Excellent service from Avant Arte! Thank you!
Review of Inner Love
Great packaging and superb frame! nice piece
Review of Actual Size
very professional service and great Comms throughout the process
Review of HOPE (251-375)
Great service overall, makes an easy process for buying and shipping art which is typically difficult and expensive.
Review of Guardian

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Kwesi BotchwayAfrican Style€3,500

Available

Cristina de MiguelTentacular Thinking€2,750

Draw

Backside works.Princess€1,700Closing in 00d 00h 00m

Draw

Ahmed MaterHurriya€4,000Closing in 00h 00m 00s