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‘Fuck You, Motherland’: Ai Weiwei is ‘Never Sorry’
Friday 3rd August 2012 | Osh
Just how far do you need to go to realise justice in a country that sees corrupt institutions so stubbornly integrated into the system? In a Republic that has been grappling with social and political corruption, China is a risky and dangerous place to choose to stick your head too far into the troubled waters, but it's a path that has been chosen by some. Enter Chinese contemporary artist, Ai Weiwei, who is involved in a variety of forms such as sculpture, installation, architecture, film and photography, as well as social, political and cultural criticism.
A relentless force to be reckoned with, Weiwei was number one on ArtReview’s Power 100 list in October 2011 and received the inaugural Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent of the Human Rights Foundation on 2 May 2012. The ‘Beijing Andy Warhol’ with a penchant for taking photographs with his middle finger up to the world, has been openly critical of his homeland’s government (who he describes as ‘animals’) and their gross disregard for human rights. This activism has included investigating the cover-up of the 2008 Sichuan schools corruption scandal, a tragedy which saw the death of around 5000 students in an earthquake due to abysmal construction. A campaign was initiated by authorities to suppress the dissent of angry parents and as of yet no substantial inquiries have been undertaken.
Released in the UK today is a documentary, directed by Alison Klayman – a long-time fan and follower of Weiwei’s works – titled Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry. It explores what happens when the line between art and political activism is blurred; when the former can be used to bolster the latter in order to champion a campaign for reform and become a voice for the victimised citizens who have been abused by their so-called government. Its careful documentation has already earned it a Special Jury Prize for Spirit of Defiance at this year’s Sundance, and through it we discover how Weiwei is tested as he crosses the line from human rights activist to practically an enemy of the state. As his actions get louder and louder, the Chinese authorities grow ever restless.
Klayman is granted the most intimate of access into Weiwei’s life and everything is covered, from his artistic process, to the effect his activism has on his relationships with those closest to him. More than just words, this transcends pretty paintings and extravagant exhibitions. This is a man who is literally prepared to lay his life on the line in a bid to save his country from itself. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re sceptical as to whether it can be done or not – the fact of the matter is that it’s a cause which should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, so kicking back on your heels is automatically even more futile. Here is a man who deeply cares and has taken on the responsibility of being the voice of a generation for no other reason than his passionate resolute that it’s the right thing to be done.
One scene in the documentary sees Weiwei ask a fan, “Do you think I can survive?” After a pause, the response is “I’m not sure” and they both break into playful chuckles. It’s testimony to the fact that, despite the dangerous work he is involved in, Weiwei has not set himself up to be some sort of martyr, only an example to others so that they might be inspired to speak out too. He was arrested in 2011 at Beijing Airport and held for over two months with no official charges, had his studio destroyed, materials seized, and was beaten to the point of a cerebral haemorrhage by police officials. Yet somehow he soldiers on and now this story can be seen and heard by the world.
Perhaps then, it is fitting that ‘Wei’ means ‘future’ and ‘uncertainty’. No one can be sure what will happen, but you can guarantee it is a cause worth fighting for. Be inspired.
Ai WeiWei: Never Sorry is out now in the Curzon Soho, Shaftesbury Avenue (http://www.curzoncinemas.com/cinemas/soho/)
For more information, visit http://aiweiweineversorry.com/
Angie Moneke (@angiejudeLDN)
