Acclaimed artist Ai Weiwei’s latest exhibition, ‘Child’s Play,’ at Vito Schnabel Gallery delves into the complexities of art, politics, and individualism.
This conversation between Ai Weiwei and an interviewer covers various topics including art, politics, media, and individualism. Here are some key points:
Art and Individualism
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Ai believes that finding a language and being skilled at it is the first step to being an artist.
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He emphasizes the importance of individualism in art, saying that being different from others is what makes someone avant-garde.
Politics and Media
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Ai discusses the current state of American politics and media, stating that social media is just pixels and that creating a narrative can be challenging due to noise and misinformation.
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He notes that news media should only report on stories that make sense and promote critical thinking.
The Role of the Avant-Garde
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Ai argues that the concept of avant-garde is a Western idea and not as prominent in Eastern cultures, including ancient China.
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He defines avant-garde as being an individual who thinks differently, rather than adhering to mainstream ideas.
Art and Politics
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Ai does not believe that anti-establishment art is always the best or most effective way to create change. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of individualism and finding one’s own voice.
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He suggests that art should be used as a means of self-expression and subversion, rather than solely for political purposes.
Personal Advice
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When asked what advice Ai would give his 25-year-old self, he responds by emphasizing the importance of being passionate and willing to take risks. He also stresses the value of integrity and individuality.
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Ai believes that it’s okay to be a failure as long as one maintains their integrity and is true to themselves.
Overall, this conversation highlights Ai Weiwei’s thoughts on art, politics, media, and individualism. His emphasis on finding one’s own voice and being willing to take risks is a recurring theme throughout the discussion.
