Zodiac, a graphic memoir comic book by Ai Weiwei, with Elettra Stamboulis, illustrated by Gianluca Costantini looks at the link between artistic expression and intellectual freedom through the Chinese zodiac.
Artists expressed their thoughts on art and humanity during the Cultural Revolution through graphic storytelling even though they were within the realm of political propaganda. This juxtaposition stayed with Ai Weiwiei, and the power of graphics now lends itself to relay the artist's memoir, inspired by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their related human characteristics.
Intertwining stories of his life, career and his family with ancient Chinese folklore, Ai Weiwei's graphic memoir travels through memory and time, weaving into its pages an exploration of the socio-political environment that charged Ai Weiwei's art and an essence of philosophy seeped into the self attached to freedom of expression.
Art, time, and our shared humanity come through the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac in relation to human characteristics. A graphic comic memoir book with important ideas and dialogue, beautifully drawn and engaging text, displaying through Ai Weiwei's life, Chinese folklore and art, about freedom of expression.
Zodiac by Ai Weiwei, Gianluca Costantini, Elettra Stamboulis, publisher Random House Inc
https://sites.prh.com/zodiac-book
