00:15

Ai Weiwei

Guardian

€650

Edition of 160160.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cm

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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.

Framing

Prints can be ordered float mounted in one of two bespoke framing options.

Medium

2 colour silkscreen with a metallic glitter base layer, printed on 410gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper.

Authentication

Individually signed by the artist (lower right corner) and numbered (lower left corner).

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Release date

February 15, 2024

Payment

Pay with bank card, crypto, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you wish you to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.

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Behind the scenes

01:14
00:51

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei31 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.’

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Reviews from Avant collectors

really a masterpiece to add in my collection!Thanks a lot🙏🏻❤️
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
awesome experience all around, kudos to you all!
Review of Sierra
very impressed with the quality of packaging and the high level finish of thr framing & artwork! look forward to pucharing more pieces in the future.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
it was an absolute pleasure making the purchase Avant Art. Communication was great and the print arrived as specified. i would definitely recommend your company.
Review of Actual Size
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
Beautifully printed piece. Nice touch on the bag and gloves. Thank you for your efficiency and timely updates.
Review of Actual Size
Overall, a very satisfying and educational experience! I greatly appreciate the various updates during the production and shipping processes. Thank you very much.
Review of Actual Size
packaging was best I’ve ever had when ordering a print. love the gloves!!
Review of Interior: Red Couch and Landscape

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