AI Weiwei Gives the Middle Finger in New Circular Print

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As a gamer with a penchant for art and a soft spot for rebellious spirits, I find Ai Weiwei‘s latest work, “Circle in Black,” truly captivating. His unwavering defiance against authority resonates deeply with my own experiences of challenging the status quo within the gaming world. The unique texture and lustrous finish of these woodblock prints are reminiscent of his porcelain sculptures, adding an exquisite touch to a symbol that is both provocative and powerful.

Ai Weiwei has always had a strong dislike for authorities, as demonstrated in his “Study of Perspective” series (1995-2011), where the Chinese dissident artist took photographs of himself flipping off famous landmarks and established institutions. Collaborating once more with London studio Avant Arte, Weiwei has transformed this potent symbol into a new print collection showcasing various middle fingers.

These circular artworks come in two color options: blue and black. Each piece is individually crafted using a hand-carved wooden block filled with black ink, resulting in subtle variations of texture on the artwork’s surface. Collaboratively created with fellow British printer Make-Ready, these compositions boast a shimmering appearance that echoes Ai Weiwei’s porcelain sculptures, which draw inspiration from traditional Chinese ceramics dating back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

Every rendition of “Circle in Black” is exclusive, consisting of only 100 pieces. The dimensions (unframed) are 23.6 inches by 23.6 inches, while framed they measure 26.3 inches by 26.3 inches. It’s a single-color woodblock print made on 225gsm Liber Charta White Smooth paper and includes the artist’s signature, numbering, and certificate of authenticity. Interested collectors can enter a drawing to acquire it through Avant Arte; the deadline for entries is Tuesday, December 10 at 9am ET.

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2024-11-22 03:25