Ai Weiwei

Middle Finger in Black

€900

Artwork

Edition of 10060.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cm

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Middle Finger in Black belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

A radial composition references the obscene gesture – a raised middle finger – which defines Ai’s seminal series, Study of Perspective. Begun in 1995, the series asserts the importance of our collective freedom to form, hold and express individual beliefs. For the artist, the power of a simple gesture like this is that anyone can make it. The edition is printed on a silkscreen press and finished with an intricate layer of white gold leaf, applied by hand to dazzling effect.

In a new juncture for Study of Perspective, we’ve also collaborated with Ai to make his middle finger available to all – inviting any and everyone to share their own perspective on power. Add yours to the archive now.

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

Framing

Two framing options are available. A matte black painted wooden frame with open grain, or a silver painted wooden frame with a metallic finish – both mounted on an off-white back board and fitted with UV plexiglass for protection.

Medium

2 colour silkscreen with foiling in white gold leaf, printed on 600gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper.

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Finishing

Individually numbered, signed by the artist, and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.

Release date

May 11, 2023

Payment

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

Policies

Returns and refunds

This artwork is protected by a resale agreement, which all collectors will need to sign before placing an order. More details in our FAQs

Go deeper

06:12

Behind the scenes

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

Art arrived in pristine condition with relevant handling instructions. Bulletproof packaging and white gloves were a welcome surprise.
Review of HOPE (626-750)
thank you for the breath of life you bring the art community, you are the poet laureate's of packaging and one day gods will sing your praises. i am in heaven with this purchase!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
the packaging was excellent! the piece was well protected. communication from the time i placed the order to framing to shipment was very good
Review of Actual Size
Love, love, love this piece of amazing work...from the craftmanship, brilliance of the colors, to the title it is fire! My new fave...among many other favorites! The treatment my framer gave it is delicious and aww inspiring...thanks Avant Arte!
Review of In Search For Light
The artwork is amazing, the quality of the printing is sublime, I am totally amazed, Thank you
Review of Guardian
Looks really great - high quality print arrived in perfect condition. Thank You!
Review of Guardian
Amazing platform and communication! Amazing art and print quality! Great service and support! Thanks!
Review of Guardian
Very happy with the print, shipping, and framing.
Review of HOPE (251-375)

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