Ai Weiwei has released a new video on YouTube stating that his house arrest, which has lasted since his release from prison almost a year ago is punishment for his political activism. He stated that he will continue to fight for human rights and freedom of expression. The message was shown at Art Basel in a special broadcast on Sunday night. It was organised by the German based organisation Cinema For Peace.
Ai Wewei is a Chinese conceptual artist who also works as an architect, photographer, curator and globally recognised human rights activist. Born in 1957 in Beijing, he began his training at Beijing Film Academy and later continued at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. His work has been exhibited around the world.
Mr Ai was recently part of the design team to produce this years Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei. It was unveiled in early June. It is the twelfth commission in the Gallery’s annual series and the world’s first and most ambitious architectural programme of its kind. The design team responsible for creating the celebrated Beijing National (Birds Nest) Stadium, which was built for the 2008 Olympic Games, has come together again in London for the Serpentine’s acclaimed annual commission, presented as part of the London 2012 Festival.