Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Invader LED Print, by Gentle Mental on Aug 24, 2017 15:44:14 GMT 1, which page would the drop appear? HOME OR EDITION? if edition would it be right on top? or featured?
which page would the drop appear? HOME OR EDITION? if edition would it be right on top? or featured?
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Banksy in the Daily Mail, by Gentle Mental on Jun 26, 2017 17:30:40 GMT 1, I say "In Baghdad" gone by tomorrow. and the other two, the day after...
I say "In Baghdad" gone by tomorrow. and the other two, the day after...
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Jasper Johns ๐บ๐ธ Painter โข Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism , by Gentle Mental on Jun 24, 2017 6:21:39 GMT 1,
what's the difference between these and unsigned prints?
is it just the missing "numbering"?
they're over 40 years old...so they are limited (for this run anyway)
people pay way more for an unsigned, re-sized, giclee (!) ritcher....
i'm curious what's holding the flippers back...
what's the difference between these and unsigned prints?
is it just the missing "numbering"?
they're over 40 years old...so they are limited (for this run anyway)
people pay way more for an unsigned, re-sized, giclee (!) ritcher....
i'm curious what's holding the flippers back...
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Felipe Pantone ๐ฆ๐ท Exhibition News โข Contemporary Art , by Gentle Mental on Jun 22, 2017 3:34:50 GMT 1, you're buying the image. not the print.
and these images are worth every cent (and more)
you're buying the image. not the print.
and these images are worth every cent (and more)
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Mr. Dob Murakami ComplexCon, by Gentle Mental on Jun 19, 2017 7:00:53 GMT 1, It's perfect! The box is beautiful. It is heavy, glossy and flawless. Bait delivered!!! Well done!! Amazing details.
http://instagram.com/p/BVgrCmLgaYW
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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KAWS Blush Companions, by Gentle Mental on Jun 3, 2017 4:13:21 GMT 1,
here's the image from my visit to Yuz in Shanghai. it's about 1800 rmb. stocks' extremely limited.
you have to raffle for one.
got one.
the show - btw - is jaw dropping.
here's the image from my visit to Yuz in Shanghai. it's about 1800 rmb. stocks' extremely limited. you have to raffle for one. got one. the show - btw - is jaw dropping.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Guaanie - Collage Artist, by Gentle Mental on May 12, 2017 15:28:47 GMT 1, Hi! Ordered mine! Address sent via PM. do check? thanks!
Hi! Ordered mine! Address sent via PM. do check? thanks!
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Visit NEW YORK ๐บ๐ฒ Street Art, Galleries, Events, by Gentle Mental on Mar 7, 2017 18:18:54 GMT 1, Any tips? Thanks!!!!!!
Any tips? Thanks!!!!!!
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Yayoi Kusama ๐ฏ๐ต Pumpkins โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Feb 21, 2017 13:57:44 GMT 1, seen them at mori museum in tokyo - possibly cheaper... (bring your passport to get tax free) also there - signed prints - at about i think...10-30k USD. She has gallery at roppongi too - usually huge canvases - but ask about the prints - you might be able to get smaller prints for 3-5k...
All sweet.
seen them at mori museum in tokyo - possibly cheaper... (bring your passport to get tax free) also there - signed prints - at about i think...10-30k USD. She has gallery at roppongi too - usually huge canvases - but ask about the prints - you might be able to get smaller prints for 3-5k...
All sweet.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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KIDULT Pop-up show in Tokyo, by Gentle Mental on Aug 29, 2016 16:41:22 GMT 1, ok... i may be a bit harsh... it's an ok mini-show...
the gallery next door had an exhibition of imageries of flowers by contemporary artists - like marc quinn, koons, warhol, cy, etc dozens of painting, sculptures, drawings and prints of flowers - and that was so sincere, pure and true...
Kidult's "VISUAL RAPE"'s pomp, and the lack of irony got to me, that's all.
i wish kidult the very best. and may he find success and happiness if he hasn't already. peace.
ok... i may be a bit harsh... it's an ok mini-show...
the gallery next door had an exhibition of imageries of flowers by contemporary artists - like marc quinn, koons, warhol, cy, etc dozens of painting, sculptures, drawings and prints of flowers - and that was so sincere, pure and true...
Kidult's "VISUAL RAPE"'s pomp, and the lack of irony got to me, that's all.
i wish kidult the very best. and may he find success and happiness if he hasn't already. peace.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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KIDULT Pop-up show in Tokyo, by Gentle Mental on Aug 28, 2016 13:29:56 GMT 1, was there. not impressed.
it's Cartrain with better PR .... will upload some pic if you guys are keen.
feels like a show of a parasite, a media-whore, sucking on tits of glam brands, mass media, milking every "controversial" press release it can, all over his wannabe masked face...give me a break.
At least brainwash has the balls and the honesty to admit he's taking everyone for a ride.
Not Kidult - he is soooo anti - everything... his spooky video projected - like he has something important to say... that "graffiti" is the only blah blah blah... jeez...
...a "Visual Rape" show in the heart of japan's poshest shopping street... - i mean Chanel and Gucci flagship stores are metres away For Fish Sakes
don't think kidult has the balls to deface those...HA!
was there. not impressed.
it's Cartrain with better PR .... will upload some pic if you guys are keen.
feels like a show of a parasite, a media-whore, sucking on tits of glam brands, mass media, milking every "controversial" press release it can, all over his wannabe masked face...give me a break.
At least brainwash has the balls and the honesty to admit he's taking everyone for a ride.
Not Kidult - he is soooo anti - everything... his spooky video projected - like he has something important to say... that "graffiti" is the only blah blah blah... jeez...
...a "Visual Rape" show in the heart of japan's poshest shopping street... - i mean Chanel and Gucci flagship stores are metres away For Fish Sakes
don't think kidult has the balls to deface those...HA!
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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JBOY ๐ฌ๐ง New Print Release โข JBoy Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Apr 26, 2016 13:36:52 GMT 1, huh?
huh?
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds, by Gentle Mental on Jan 28, 2016 13:16:29 GMT 1, Zhao is giving away some of the Sunflower seeds given to him by Ai Weiwei in Beijing back in May 2014.
Simply make a donation to any refugee aid and email your receipts to aicantbehere@gmail.com
Winners will be notified on 31 March. Thanks.
Zhao is giving away some of the Sunflower seeds given to him by Ai Weiwei in Beijing back in May 2014. Simply make a donation to any refugee aid and email your receipts to aicantbehere@gmail.com Winners will be notified on 31 March. Thanks.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Donate to refugee aid and Win rare Ai Can't Be Here T-shirts, by Gentle Mental on Dec 28, 2015 9:18:15 GMT 1, "Ai Can't Be Here - Movement to help Ai Weiwei get his passport back is over. And we have a few (very very few T-shirts left)
We are giving them away, free.
Just donate ANY amount to ANY refugee aid - email us your receipt and you could win one.
Email your receipts to aicantbehere@gmail.com
DEADLINE: 1 JAN 2016.
Thank you."
"Ai Can't Be Here - Movement to help Ai Weiwei get his passport back is over. And we have a few (very very few T-shirts left) We are giving them away, free. Just donate ANY amount to ANY refugee aid - email us your receipt and you could win one. Email your receipts to aicantbehere@gmail.com DEADLINE: 1 JAN 2016. Thank you."
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Famous When Dead - new show, by Gentle Mental on Dec 15, 2015 1:32:43 GMT 1, Famous when dead is an example (which i like, FWD has wit, craft and heart) There are loads of these lesser knowns out there - in your neighbourhood even - struggling - putting in the hours to create beauty - all for the money hundreds would walk by as they rush home to give hundreds of thousands, bunfighting for, for a brainwash print or a signed hirst dot poster etc.
i guess what i'm saying is we should open our eyes and hearts to all struggling artists. And not just the "hot" ones.
Famous when dead is an example (which i like, FWD has wit, craft and heart) There are loads of these lesser knowns out there - in your neighbourhood even - struggling - putting in the hours to create beauty - all for the money hundreds would walk by as they rush home to give hundreds of thousands, bunfighting for, for a brainwash print or a signed hirst dot poster etc.
i guess what i'm saying is we should open our eyes and hearts to all struggling artists. And not just the "hot" ones.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Famous When Dead - new show, by Gentle Mental on Dec 14, 2015 13:08:56 GMT 1, Some interesting pieces here, most under ยฃ300:
gallery.rotofugi.com/exhibits/2015-FamousWhenDead/
which begs the question - why do we crave mediocre signed prints by "hot" names, while ignoring quality originals from lesser knowns?
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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What to do in Boston?, by Gentle Mental on Jun 28, 2015 11:12:33 GMT 1, the os gemeos is gone!!!
boo!
oh well..
ICA was nice. (a tad small...)
got a poster.
lobster roll.. hmmmm..
the os gemeos is gone!!!
boo!
oh well..
ICA was nice. (a tad small...)
got a poster.
lobster roll.. hmmmm..
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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What to do in Boston?, by Gentle Mental on Jun 27, 2015 4:16:37 GMT 1, Any gallery where i could pick up some urban art? faile/bast/david choe etc?
Any gallery where i could pick up some urban art? faile/bast/david choe etc?
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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What to do in Boston?, by Gentle Mental on Jun 26, 2015 19:46:55 GMT 1, thanks for the list! Will try to do them all .... except for the supine - (already got one!)
you guys rock. travel karma points for all.
thanks for the list! Will try to do them all .... except for the supine - (already got one!) you guys rock. travel karma points for all.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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What to do in Boston?, by Gentle Mental on Jun 26, 2015 11:10:27 GMT 1, Galleries to see, things to do, food to eat?
much appreciated.
g
Galleries to see, things to do, food to eat?
much appreciated.
g
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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JBOY ๐ฌ๐ง New Print Release โข JBoy Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Jun 8, 2015 3:31:07 GMT 1, nice work!
nice work!
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 10, 2014 1:52:32 GMT 1, www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/oct/31/ai-weiwei-returns-tax-money
the case is neither open nor close. it hadn't move for months. passport was taken away for no reason. the money was given by fans. he never asked for it. He has returned the money. authorities showed tolerance because it was "arty", there are many chinese artists that does shocking stuff, but when it reveals a truth, that's when it stopped being funny. not many chinese artists reveal this kind of truths. those who do are either in prison or in exile.
we need ai to come out to reveal more truths.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/oct/31/ai-weiwei-returns-tax-moneythe case is neither open nor close. it hadn't move for months. passport was taken away for no reason. the money was given by fans. he never asked for it. He has returned the money. authorities showed tolerance because it was "arty", there are many chinese artists that does shocking stuff, but when it reveals a truth, that's when it stopped being funny. not many chinese artists reveal this kind of truths. those who do are either in prison or in exile. we need ai to come out to reveal more truths.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 8, 2014 12:08:29 GMT 1, Take a roller and a bucket of Whitle Emulsion and go blaze it on some walls in Singapore, I'm bored of these pretendy street art and campaigns. And please don't give me that '' you can't '' you can, you just have to be clever, and not even that clever, if this really means something to you then get stuck in and don't mince around. Just what ever you do don't pretend that the TeeShirts by Banksy. Exactly. like this?
or this?
or...
But seriously, there is no need to break the law. The web is our new wall.
Take a roller and a bucket of Whitle Emulsion and go blaze it on some walls in Singapore, I'm bored of these pretendy street art and campaigns. And please don't give me that '' you can't '' you can, you just have to be clever, and not even that clever, if this really means something to you then get stuck in and don't mince around. Just what ever you do don't pretend that the TeeShirts by Banksy. Exactly. like this? or this? or... But seriously, there is no need to break the law. The web is our new wall.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 7, 2014 18:07:47 GMT 1, Take a roller and a bucket of Whitle Emulsion and go blaze it on some walls in Singapore, I'm bored of these pretendy street art and campaigns. And please don't give me that '' you can't '' you can, you just have to be clever, and not even that clever, if this really means something to you then get stuck in and don't mince around. Just what ever you do don't pretend that the TeeShirts by Banksy. you don't need to stick stuff up and risk getting arrested. the walls of instagram awaits your protest posts! go for it people!
Take a roller and a bucket of Whitle Emulsion and go blaze it on some walls in Singapore, I'm bored of these pretendy street art and campaigns. And please don't give me that '' you can't '' you can, you just have to be clever, and not even that clever, if this really means something to you then get stuck in and don't mince around. Just what ever you do don't pretend that the TeeShirts by Banksy. you don't need to stick stuff up and risk getting arrested. the walls of instagram awaits your protest posts! go for it people!
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 6, 2014 12:11:39 GMT 1, All very well but...... I am not criticising Ai Wei Wei here. I am criticising you who is just spreading untruths so you can have your little campaign and sell your T shirts. You should be celebrating that he is doing ok now. Not trying to keep it going. You need to move on....it won't sell your shirts and you canvases but hey that's life.
So happy to hear your mind's changed on weiwei. We have progress.
All very well but...... I am not criticising Ai Wei Wei here. I am criticising you who is just spreading untruths so you can have your little campaign and sell your T shirts. You should be celebrating that he is doing ok now. Not trying to keep it going. You need to move on....it won't sell your shirts and you canvases but hey that's life. So happy to hear your mind's changed on weiwei. We have progress.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 5, 2014 16:53:53 GMT 1, the school bag piece used bags similar to those used by the children. it says "she lived happily in this world for 7 years." it's my favourite piece of street art ever.
the school bag piece used bags similar to those used by the children. it says "she lived happily in this world for 7 years." it's my favourite piece of street art ever.
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 5, 2014 14:27:33 GMT 1, Totally respect your views. Here's ours. He was already successful and rich when trouble started. He was building THE BIRDS NEST. He was already in the club. The money was coming in BIG TIME. He was already the most famous Chinese artist in the world and one of the richest. Like XIAOGANG,minjun and co. And... To give all that up? To have all that money influence connections taken away? To have his studio torn down? To be detained beaten? To come so close to losing everything forever? Just so you could use your influence to speak for village children who died innocently under corruptedly built schools or tainted milk๏ผ
Totally respect your views. Here's ours. He was already successful and rich when trouble started. He was building THE BIRDS NEST. He was already in the club. The money was coming in BIG TIME. He was already the most famous Chinese artist in the world and one of the richest. Like XIAOGANG,minjun and co. And... To give all that up? To have all that money influence connections taken away? To have his studio torn down? To be detained beaten? To come so close to losing everything forever? Just so you could use your influence to speak for village children who died innocently under corruptedly built schools or tainted milk๏ผ
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Gentle Mental
Junior Member
Posts โข 2,826
Likes โข 863
May 2007
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Zhao ๐ธ๐ฌ Print Release โข Show News โข Art For Sale, by Gentle Mental on Sept 5, 2014 3:40:15 GMT 1, This one? Great interview. Widely available in China via bing, China's google, TIMEOUT Beijing/Shanghai. Yay. Now, dear artists and art lovers, let's all help this guy get his passport back, shall we? He really missed the UK.
Ai Weiwei interview: 'I don't think I'm that important'
Since his release from detention in 2011, artist Ai Weiwei has been barred from leaving China. But that hasnโt stopped him from becoming one of the most famous artists in the world. On the eve of a London show, Time Out visits him to discuss surveillance, success and staying visible
By Aaron Fox-Lerner Fri May 16 2014 0
Comments Add +
ยฉ Ai Weiwei; portrait: Gao Yuan
There are no police officers outside Ai Weiwei's grey brick studio when Time Out visits him on a chilly Beijing morning. This is a noticeable change. Until recently, the plainclothes officers parked continuously outside Ai's studio on the outskirts of the city were as constant a presence as the cats roaming his compound and the flowers he places in the basket on a bicycle out front every day, a subtle form of protest on Ai's part that represents his lack of freedom to travel abroad or show work in China. He still does not have his passport. Yet, while the authorities have tried to make Ai invisible inside China, the artist has responded by maintaining a high profile on the international scene. He's currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum. He's also managed to keep up a non-stop social-media presence, even popping up recently in a selfie with US lifestyle guru Martha Stewart. This week, a show of his new works opens at the Lisson Gallery. We asked Ai about how he squares his roles as dissident and art star, and how this paradoxical situation has informed his latest output.
Your new show focuses on objects such as gas masks, handcuffs and bicycles. What's the connection between them? 'These are mostly objects that relate to my small world. For example, the "Forever" bicycles [pictured, right] were a brand from when I was growing up. In our village there were no real roads and we always had to ride bikes to carry things. I thought they would be good for a public sculpture because people relate to bikes. They're designed for the body and operated with your body. There are few things today that are like that.' โI may not be the best artist but I really am the best remote-control artistโ
Do you miss being able to visit London? 'I miss London. London is what we can really call a civil society, which is a term you cannot even mention in China - they think that's some kind of dirty word. British culture today is very sophisticated. I enjoyed every minute when I was there and hopefully one day I can visit again. Especially after I was released from detention, I was so touched and shocked to see people in London and in the art community giving such support. They openly confronted my condition and really supported freedom of speech. I think sensing that made my personal condition become acceptable.'
How do you manage the installation of your work when you can't be there? 'I may not be the best artist, but I really am the best remote-control artist. I use the internet, Skype and communication of all kinds. I've done dozens of shows without being there because I still communicate with the organiser and the viewers.'
Do you think the Chinese authorities' attitude toward you has changed? 'They're much more open towards me and much more relaxed. Nobody follows me if I go out - there's no car outside. I can travel within China quite freely and nobody says: "Where are you going?" They've given me maximum freedom, I should say, to do my work and even talk to you. So I consider that a very friendly attitude toward me.'
ยฉ Ai Weiwei
Have they tried to restrict your art? 'No. They've been very clear in that sense. Although I don't think they're really satisfied with the result. They think there must be some kind of meaning there or some kind of conspiracy behind it.'
Do you see your art and activism as separate? 'No. My activism is actually only for my art, for my essential rights. To protect those rights, I became a so-called activist. It's inseparable from my art. Art needs protection; freedom of speech needs protection. Through art I make the argument and through my argument I may make art.'
Do you worry that by being such a high-profile artist and activist you might overshadow those who don't have the kind of voice you do? 'I think this is a world with competition. Even for freedom, there's still competition. I don't think you can really overshadow a voice if that voice has an idea behind it. I didn't even know I was an international celebrity [for a long time], because in the years I became famous, I wasn't out in the world - I was here [in my studio]. I told the authorities that they've made me much more popular in the past few years.' โPeople have too many fantasies about what art is aboutโ
Do you think you've become more popular in China as well? 'Much more. Mainly with people who can get information from outside and who can get on the internet. I think it's more with young people. They just don't understand why I have to be punished like this. A lot of people think there's no possibility [of change] here, but I'm a little bit naive. In the evening I become so desperate and disappointed, but in the morning I'm refreshed again.'
You can now buy Ai Weiwei mobile phone covers, umbrellas, and any number of other products. How do you feel about this commercialisation of your image? 'I have no problem with people using my image as long as it carries symbolic meaning. Of course I hate things that aren't done well, that are trash or crap, but in my position I can't really control that, even if I wanted to.'
You run a large studio and much of your work is outsourced to craftspeople. Do you worry about your art becoming impersonal? 'No. I hope my work can be as impersonal as possible because I don't think I'm that important. I'm the one who initiates it, who guides it, and is controlling the idea, but I don't care if it's mine or not. People have too many fantasies about what art is about. Art is about ideas, about decisions, about expression and about communication. I'm really good at expression and communication. Andy Warhol is a perfect model for me.'
If your work's about communication, then do you see your internet presence as an extension of your art or a possible replacement for it? 'Actually, the internet is not an extension of my art; my art is an extension of the internet. If there's no internet, there's no Ai Weiwei of today. I'm a pure product of the internet.'
This one? Great interview. Widely available in China via bing, China's google, TIMEOUT Beijing/Shanghai. Yay. Now, dear artists and art lovers, let's all help this guy get his passport back, shall we? He really missed the UK.
Ai Weiwei interview: 'I don't think I'm that important'
Since his release from detention in 2011, artist Ai Weiwei has been barred from leaving China. But that hasnโt stopped him from becoming one of the most famous artists in the world. On the eve of a London show, Time Out visits him to discuss surveillance, success and staying visible
By Aaron Fox-Lerner Fri May 16 2014 0
Comments Add +
ยฉ Ai Weiwei; portrait: Gao Yuan
There are no police officers outside Ai Weiwei's grey brick studio when Time Out visits him on a chilly Beijing morning. This is a noticeable change. Until recently, the plainclothes officers parked continuously outside Ai's studio on the outskirts of the city were as constant a presence as the cats roaming his compound and the flowers he places in the basket on a bicycle out front every day, a subtle form of protest on Ai's part that represents his lack of freedom to travel abroad or show work in China. He still does not have his passport. Yet, while the authorities have tried to make Ai invisible inside China, the artist has responded by maintaining a high profile on the international scene. He's currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum. He's also managed to keep up a non-stop social-media presence, even popping up recently in a selfie with US lifestyle guru Martha Stewart. This week, a show of his new works opens at the Lisson Gallery. We asked Ai about how he squares his roles as dissident and art star, and how this paradoxical situation has informed his latest output.
Your new show focuses on objects such as gas masks, handcuffs and bicycles. What's the connection between them? 'These are mostly objects that relate to my small world. For example, the "Forever" bicycles [pictured, right] were a brand from when I was growing up. In our village there were no real roads and we always had to ride bikes to carry things. I thought they would be good for a public sculpture because people relate to bikes. They're designed for the body and operated with your body. There are few things today that are like that.' โI may not be the best artist but I really am the best remote-control artistโ
Do you miss being able to visit London? 'I miss London. London is what we can really call a civil society, which is a term you cannot even mention in China - they think that's some kind of dirty word. British culture today is very sophisticated. I enjoyed every minute when I was there and hopefully one day I can visit again. Especially after I was released from detention, I was so touched and shocked to see people in London and in the art community giving such support. They openly confronted my condition and really supported freedom of speech. I think sensing that made my personal condition become acceptable.'
How do you manage the installation of your work when you can't be there? 'I may not be the best artist, but I really am the best remote-control artist. I use the internet, Skype and communication of all kinds. I've done dozens of shows without being there because I still communicate with the organiser and the viewers.'
Do you think the Chinese authorities' attitude toward you has changed? 'They're much more open towards me and much more relaxed. Nobody follows me if I go out - there's no car outside. I can travel within China quite freely and nobody says: "Where are you going?" They've given me maximum freedom, I should say, to do my work and even talk to you. So I consider that a very friendly attitude toward me.'
ยฉ Ai Weiwei
Have they tried to restrict your art? 'No. They've been very clear in that sense. Although I don't think they're really satisfied with the result. They think there must be some kind of meaning there or some kind of conspiracy behind it.'
Do you see your art and activism as separate? 'No. My activism is actually only for my art, for my essential rights. To protect those rights, I became a so-called activist. It's inseparable from my art. Art needs protection; freedom of speech needs protection. Through art I make the argument and through my argument I may make art.'
Do you worry that by being such a high-profile artist and activist you might overshadow those who don't have the kind of voice you do? 'I think this is a world with competition. Even for freedom, there's still competition. I don't think you can really overshadow a voice if that voice has an idea behind it. I didn't even know I was an international celebrity [for a long time], because in the years I became famous, I wasn't out in the world - I was here [in my studio]. I told the authorities that they've made me much more popular in the past few years.' โPeople have too many fantasies about what art is aboutโ
Do you think you've become more popular in China as well? 'Much more. Mainly with people who can get information from outside and who can get on the internet. I think it's more with young people. They just don't understand why I have to be punished like this. A lot of people think there's no possibility [of change] here, but I'm a little bit naive. In the evening I become so desperate and disappointed, but in the morning I'm refreshed again.'
You can now buy Ai Weiwei mobile phone covers, umbrellas, and any number of other products. How do you feel about this commercialisation of your image? 'I have no problem with people using my image as long as it carries symbolic meaning. Of course I hate things that aren't done well, that are trash or crap, but in my position I can't really control that, even if I wanted to.'
You run a large studio and much of your work is outsourced to craftspeople. Do you worry about your art becoming impersonal? 'No. I hope my work can be as impersonal as possible because I don't think I'm that important. I'm the one who initiates it, who guides it, and is controlling the idea, but I don't care if it's mine or not. People have too many fantasies about what art is about. Art is about ideas, about decisions, about expression and about communication. I'm really good at expression and communication. Andy Warhol is a perfect model for me.'
If your work's about communication, then do you see your internet presence as an extension of your art or a possible replacement for it? 'Actually, the internet is not an extension of my art; my art is an extension of the internet. If there's no internet, there's no Ai Weiwei of today. I'm a pure product of the internet.'
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