jdscott50's review
informative
slow-paced
5.0
A dual history and biography of Ai Weiwei and his father, Ai Qing. Ai Qing was a famous poet who lived during Chinese imperialism, World War II, and the eventual Communist rule. His poetry would inspire and encourage the war against Japan and the hope of a new Chinese Nation. However, his defense of criticisms of Mao would have him branded as a Righest and exiled. Ai Weiwei documents these hardships and how this censorship would plant the seed for his own art. His absurdity in art becomes subversive, leading to his own exile, censorship, and incarceration.
Like his father, he would be detained in a very absurdist fashion. Guards would remain in his room during his detainment and interpretation, leading to many absurd developments. Through it all, his subversive ideas thwart the Chinese government until he eventually needs to leave the country for his safety.
An illuminating look at Ai Weiwei and his father, AI Qing. Oppressive regimes always have their antagonists and, through art and beauty, provide a home for a better way.
Like his father, he would be detained in a very absurdist fashion. Guards would remain in his room during his detainment and interpretation, leading to many absurd developments. Through it all, his subversive ideas thwart the Chinese government until he eventually needs to leave the country for his safety.
An illuminating look at Ai Weiwei and his father, AI Qing. Oppressive regimes always have their antagonists and, through art and beauty, provide a home for a better way.
ekacecilia's review
5.0
A beautiful act of resistance and memory. A deep exploration of freedom, the power of art, and the necessity of speaking truth to power no matter what it costs.
kitkat2500's review
3.0
I didn’t quite finish this book…I was interested by his childhood and the story of his father. But once he hit adulthood, I found the storytelling less captivating.
alittlebithopeful's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.0
annrhub's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.5
sebswann's review
5.0
“Self-expression is central to human existence. Without the sound of human voices, without warmth and color in our lives, without attentive glances, Earth is just an insensate rock suspended in space.”
If you like memoirs about dissident artists; Ai Weiwei’s story is powerful, his wisdom is thought-provoking and resolute, and his voice is deeply needed, especially at a time when authoritarianism is on the rise around the world and advocates for the disenfranchised, the displaced, and the persecuted are needed most.
If you like memoirs about dissident artists; Ai Weiwei’s story is powerful, his wisdom is thought-provoking and resolute, and his voice is deeply needed, especially at a time when authoritarianism is on the rise around the world and advocates for the disenfranchised, the displaced, and the persecuted are needed most.
afshack's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
aniblaahh's review
4.0
So good!! I bought this after visiting an Ai Weiwei exhibition, curious by his life and story. Through the story of his Dad, I learnt so much about modern Chinese political history and was shocked at the treatment Ai Weiwei experienced only too recently under the Chinese Government. I would recommend this personal and insightful story to anyone.