1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by @aiww is an important #book and #memoir that chronicles the artist’s life and his father’s life whilst unravelling the notions of history, art, politics, freedom of expression and much more.
The book goes through years of history of China and years of the power of art.
The title of the book comes from his father, the poet Ai Qing’s poetry.
The memoir depicts what it meant to live under authoritarian rule, describing Ai Weiwei’s father’s ordeal of his arrest, exile and what he went through, as well as the artist’s own experience of being detained and imprisoned.
There are pages on the freedom that art can offer, the artist’s travels to New York and he discusses his brilliant artworks and his activism throughout the years.
Citizen‘s Investigation by Ai Weiwei is incredibly important to know about and reflect on humanity.
Ai Weiwei shows how art can be a tool, highlighting a quest for justice, and empathy and important issues when horrific and heartbreaking things occur, in the face of authoritarian rule.
This book was written for Ai Weiwei’s son, as the artist wanted his family to know about his path and experiences, wishing he had spoken more to his own father on what he went through.
This book is great, an important read, on life, art, activism, history, politics and the importance of freedom of expression as well as propelling us into thinking of creating a fair and just world . It also showcases the power of art and that despite the heartbreaking things that happen around the world and in lives, love, empathy, understanding and coming together is still present in our world, and Ai Weiwei’s art and activism showcases just that.
#GreatBook #MustRead ✨
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1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei, published by Bodley Head