Chinese authorities have released dissent artist Ai Weiwei from prison after three months. Charges against him are not being pursued. He remains “on bail,” and charges still hang over his head and prevent him from resuming his provocative statements. A piece of Ai’s work on exhibit at London’s Lisson Gallery captures his current situation: a stone surveillance camera.
While some see the artist’s release as the result of worldwide public pressure, China’s motivation may be more cynical. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is about to embark on an official tour of Europe, and may seek to minimize protests and criticism by reducing the power of a symbol of China’s restrictive human rights policies.
Related:
“Asia Society Plans Exhibition of Ai Weiwei New York Photos,” Kate Taylor, New York Times
“Ai Wei Wei’s release gets cautious welcome on China’s streets (video),” Reuters via The Guardian
“Chinese artist Ai Weiwei: Free in body, not voice,” Alexa Olesen, Associated Press
Image by Mike Licht. Download a copy here. Creative Commons license; credit Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com
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June 25, 2011 at 9:14 am
UPDATE:
“Ai Weiwei Speaks!” — but not directly. Globalpost’s David Case speaks with someone who spoke to the once-outspoken artist.
July 14, 2011 at 8:10 am
UPDATE:
“Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei accepts job at Berlin university,” globalpost