Networking Note
Ai Weiwei and visual art
I found this artist from an internet search (theartstory.org). The artist is known as Ai Weiwei and he is a Chinese artist and an activist. He was born in 1957 and since he was young, he was interested in art. He joined Beijing Film Academy in 1978 where he gained visual arts education (THE ART STORY, 2019). In 1981, he moved from Chinese society to the U.S in New York City and he enrolled at Parsons School of Design. Though he was interested in painting, the sculpture work of Marcel Duchamp and Joseph Beuys inspired him.
I was searching for contemporary visual artists from an internet search and I came across the Chinese artist Ai, Weiwei. What stood out in this artist is that he is one of the contemporary artist and a cultural figure in the western world (THE ART STORY, 2019). The reason as to why I like Weiwei is because he is against the violation of human rights especially in China where people are denied the freedom of free speech. The political system is implementing harsh measures to the citizens, it controls the labor rights and violates the freedom of association, and it violates the women's rights activist, among other violation of human rights (THE ART STORY, 2019). The reason as to why I am writing this is to educate readers that as a marginalized person, Weiwei is the best political artists in the contemporary world who is against the political turmoil. He demonstrates the need to build a new culture and government, especially in China. Readers should also know that Weiwei acts as an advocate for human rights and demonstrates the need to maximize human happiness and minimize harm by providing fundamental human rights.
As an art student, I selected Weiwei so that I can be exposed to the artwork, get inspiration, interact with the artist and think creatively, and increase my achievement levels. Since Weiwei was influenced by his father Ai Qing, I also want to get motivated and learn more about artwork from this artist. Some of the artworks by Weiwei that I liked include the Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn (1995) - it symbolizes the Chinese culture and Chinese civilization and its main idea is to destroy the communist China and focus on socialism (THE ART STORY, 2019). Another artwork is the Study of Perspective Tiananmen Square (1995) - it symbolizes the Chinese culture and politics, as well as the Feudalism which led to social classes. During the informational interview, first, I wanted the artist to know my area of interest and second, seek advice about the career, the challenges as well as the benefits (THE ART STORY, 2019). Remarkably, I received positive answers to my question. I learned that art is the most important area that makes someone gain experience, understand values and beliefs and more importantly make sense of things around us. In addition, visual art will help become creative, explore possibilities, and gain cultural awareness.
According to my own preferences, Weiwei has experienced both advantages and disadvantages in this position. First, he has been able to express his ideas about the Chinese political system and he has provided individuals with a new perspective. In addition, the artwork has helped him expand his imagination, move people emotionally, and intellectually, and develop a sense of accomplishment (THE ART STORY, 2019). Note that he has shared his artwork with the world and people have recognized the problems with the political system and the need to change the culture and promote social stability. However, in creating visual art, he has encountered challenges such as time, money and commitment, and competition with other artists (THE ART STORY, 2019). Other challenges include criticism and hatred that led to his persecution by the Chinese authority. In working in the visual art industry, I expect to experience advantages such as freedom to express myself, use imagination, explore the world, solve problems, and develop a sense of accomplishment. However, this industry will pose challenges such as competition with other artists which leads to low income, criticism from opponents, and limited opportunities (THE ART STORY, 2019). All in all, I have learned that artwork is a rewarding job as it gives one the opportunity to practice natural talent, address different matters and bring innovations. I have also gained professional advice; in order to be a professional artist, I should be authentic, avoid competitions, and ensure financial freedom.
Work cited
THE ART STORY. (2019). Ai Weiwei: Chinese Conceptual Artist. Retrieved from: https://www.theartstory.org/artist-ai-weiwei.htm
