Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist. He is known for his diverse works, including sculpture, installation, architecture, and photography, which often address social issues and human rights abuses. A vocal critic of the Chinese government’s stance on democracy and human rights, Ai’s early life was marked by political persecution, which deeply influenced his artistic and activist endeavors. He has authored several books, including Zodiac and his memoir “A Thousand Years of Joys and Sorrows,” which delves into his personal and family history against the backdrop of China’s political landscape.

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Zodiac by Ai Weiwei

Zodiac | A Graphic Memoir, by renowned artist Ai Weiwei, is an exquisitely illustrated and profoundly philosophical graphic memoir, that delves into the intricate relationship between artistic expression and intellectual freedom, using the Chinese zodiac as a thought-provoking framework. Inspired by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei masterfully interweaves ancient Chinese folklore with stories of his life, family, and career.

A Thousand Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei

A Thousand Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir, written by Ai Weiwei, was published on November 2, 2021. The book chronicles Ai Weiwei’s early years and the myriad forces that have shaped modern China. Recounting the memories of Weiwei’s childhood spent in exile with his father, poet Ai Qing, who Mao Zedong branded a “rightist intellectual” for his critical view of the government.