Ai Weiwei, the dissident Chinese artist known for his provocative stance, was actively engaged on Tuesday night at The Town Hall in Manhattan.
Expressing his penchant for causing disruption, Ai engaged in a lively 50-minute dialogue with author-interviewer Mira Jacob, where he challenged questions as much as he answered them. The event, part of PEN America’s PEN Out Loud series, showcased Ai’s unapologetically contrarian views.
During his appearance in New York, Ai delved into his latest work, the graphic memoir “Zodiac,” which cleverly weaves together the Chinese zodiac animals and references to cats. According to Ai, the zodiac’s broad appeal lies in its ability to tactfully inquire about one’s sign without causing offense.
Ai kicked off the evening with humor, recounting anecdotes about his affinity for cats, humorously suspecting one of them to be a spy for the Chinese secret police. Drawing parallels between cats’ assertiveness and his son’s behavior, Ai reflected on the theme of losing control, evident in both his art and the narrative of “Zodiac.”
Despite his acclaim as a visual artist—having designed Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium for the 2008 Olympics—Ai’s staunch criticism of the Chinese Communist Party led to his imprisonment and subsequent exile in various countries.
Ai highlighted the West’s tendency towards censorship, citing the cancellation of his exhibition at the Lisson Gallery in London due to a controversial tweet about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Reflecting on the incident, Ai emphasized the importance of free expression and criticized the notion of enforced correctness in society.
Throughout the evening, Ai responded to audience questions with his signature wit and nonconformity, challenging conventional norms and expectations. His candid remarks, laced with humor and introspection, provided a glimpse into his unapologetically rebellious spirit and unwavering dedication to artistic expression.
