Articles
China
Opinion
5 years ago
Author Ma Jian on Ai Weiwei and freedom of expression in China
Ma Jian is renowned for his novels exploring subjects censored in China, where his books are banned, and he has been barred from entering the Chinese mainland. Ahead of Ai Weiwei’s RA retrospective, we asked the writer about his admiration for the artist, and about the limits of free expression in China.
RA Exhibitions
5 years ago
Ai Weiwei: 13 works to know
Ai Weiwei has worked in everything from paint to readymades. As our landmark exhibition examines work from 1993 up to the present day, we take a look at some of the key works to know from across Ai’s career.
RA Exhibitions
5 years ago
Ai Weiwei: a beginner’s guide
From surveillance cameras to smashed ceramics, Ai Weiwei is uncompromising in his fight for the freedom of expression. Here’s what you need to know about China’s most famous artist.
RA Exhibitions
> 5 years ago
Introducing Ai Weiwei’s ‘Tree’
Curator Adrian Locke on the monumental installation that will be coming to the RA’s courtyard alongside our Ai Weiwei exhibition.
RA Exhibitions
> 5 years ago
Ai Weiwei at the RA: Sharing our vision for the show
Our collaboration with Ai Weiwei has extended to producing the exhibition’s poster image, catalogue and multimedia guide, explains curator Adrian Locke.
RA Exhibitions
> 5 years ago
In the neighbourhood: Ai Weiwei’s ‘village’ in Beijing
A vibrant arts quarter has grown up around Ai Weiwei’s home and studio in Beijing. Our curator Adrian Locke explores the area, and finds himself on a journey into the city’s past.
Inside the Academy
> 5 years ago
Cats and conversations: laying out the exhibition with Ai Weiwei
At a meeting in his Beijing studio, Ai Weiwei and curator Adrian Locke plan the gallery layout for the artist’s major RA show this year.
Inside the Academy
< 6 years ago
In the studio: a glimpse into Ai Weiwei’s world
Curator Adrian Locke gets to know artist Ai Weiwei and his studio team on a sunny day in Beijing.
RA Exhibitions
6 years ago
A visit to Ai Weiwei’s Beijing studio
As the RA prepares for a major Ai Weiwei exhibition in 2015, we visited the honorary Royal Academician at his studio in China.