Art as Catalyst in the Politicization of Ai Weiwei
Hu, Jielin
2012
- Ai Weiwei, one of the most influential contemporary Chinese artists, has occupied headline position in the media since his 81-day detention in the summer of 2011 by the Chinese government. The Western media focuses on his outspoken attitude about socio-political problems in China and frequently refers to him as _��an activist_�� or _��a dissident_��. It seems that the whole world ... read moreis so preoccupied by his activism and has forgotten that Ai Weiwei, at heart, is an artist. My thesis cautions against the politicization of Ai Weiwei by the Western media and offers a more comprehensive reading of Ai Weiwei_�_s art in this political context. My paper examines Ai Weiwei_�_s aesthetics to show that art and politics are inseparable for him. Further, I argue through an in-depth analysis of Fairytale (2007) and Remembering (2009) that Ai Weiwei uses art as a vehicle of communication and change, and one cannot understand his political stance without acknowledging his art.read less
- ID:
- 1j92gk73s
- Component ID:
- tufts:UA005.013.023.00001
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