Ai Weiwei exhibition opens in Barcelona, from controversial Chinese artist under house arrest

Barcelona (ACN).- A new exhibition opened this November at the Virreina Image Centre in Barcelona, focusing on the life of Ai Weiwei, the controversial Chinese artist and political activist famous who was arrested in 2011, and has since been in house arrest in Beijing. 'On the Table. Ai Weiwei' exhibition will follow the trajectory of the artist’s life, through forty pieces of various media, including photographs, video and installations, some of which were created just for the Barcelona gallery. It will focus on some of the key issues of his work, including multidisciplinary themes, and those of non-conformity, dissent and the condition of the media. The exhibition will run until 1 February 2015 at the Virreina Image Centre on the the famous Les Rambles walkway, and is free of charge.

Ai Weiwei is possibly the most famous living Chinese artist, whose work can be found in the main art galleries around the world. He is well-known for his long standing confrontation with the Chinese Government; his art calling for greater freedom resulted in his 2011 arrest by Chinese authorities, followed by the confiscation of his passport and his continuing detention in Beijing, where he remains under house-arrest. Nevertheless, he continues to work remotely from his studio, and this is one of his latest forays in the art world.

This new exhibition features some of his best known pieces alongside new work created especially for Barcelona's Virreina gallery. Through a variety of media, it will offer a trajectory of the artist's life, from his beginnings in 1980's New York through to his present day role as the best-known Chinese artist, famous for his defiance of his state. His work revolves around the struggle for freedom and expression, using his installations as ways to speak out against repression and censorship, and create awareness in society. One feature is the table, his original working table transported from his Beijing studio, around which viewers are invited to sit and contribute to the art through participation and discussion, using his art to open dialogue.