The exiled Chinese artist spoke to Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips about the London gallery’s cancellation of the exhibition.
Sunday 4 February 2024 06:16, UK
Exile artist Ai Weiwei told Sky News that political censorship in the West today is “exactly the same” as it was in Mao-era China.
the 66-year-old dissident told Sky News. trevor phillips sunday morning “Society becomes very timid and really avoids any kind of questions or discussions.”
He was responding to a question about the cancellation of his exhibition at London’s Lisson Gallery in November following social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“I grew up in this harsh political censorship,” he said of his family’s exile when he was one year old.
“Now I realize that you guys are doing exactly the same thing in the West,” the artist added.
Weiwei continued: “This is really like a cultural revolution, and it’s essentially trying to destroy people who don’t even have a clear opinion and have different attitudes.
“So I think it’s very unfortunate that something like this has happened so widely in the Western world, in universities, in the media, everywhere.
“You can’t talk about the truth anywhere, not in universities or in political departments.”
Weiwei’s art often addresses political issues. China And he has frequently criticized the Chinese government’s record on human rights and democracy.
Asked whether he thought Western artists were doing enough to protect freedom of expression, Weiwei said they were “corrupted by capitalism.”
“They don’t just want money, they just want to be famous,” he says.
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In 2011, Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport and detained for 81 days. He left China in 2015 and has not returned since.
His main residence is currently in Portugal, but he also owns a studio in Berlin and real estate in the UK.
Weiwei said she “never regrets” speaking out.
“I stand for values that benefit and benefit everyone,” he said.
“My little experience is not so important, but rather I have to have some say.
“Artists have a responsibility to do that.”
Weiwei’s graphic memoir Zodiac was published by Penguin Random House in late January.
Tune in to Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips at 8.30am to hear the full interview with Ai Weiwei.