The Case for Ai Weiwei | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

[@AlexLopez-hn5ru]

"She lived happily for seven years in this world" That tore my heart apart. That is what art is for.

[@guppy8073]

Alex Lopez i started crying even before they read the quote. it hurt

[@SethWatersVlogs]

"Out of a source of constant irritation, the oyster develops a pearl." Damn.

[@italotter]

Because we should know how to deal with the irritation.

[@ARTiculations]

I participated in the reading of the Sichuan students's names performance when we had his show in Toronto. It then resulted in me (and a bunch of other people) coming to tears in front of the wall of names. I went to school in China in a poorly constructed school building. I know all of those parents only had one child because they could only have one child. And i still can't stop thinking about all those families.

[@theartassignment]

It's harrowing. When that same Ai Weiwei exhibition was hosted in Indianapolis, the gallery that contained the names list also contained the rebar installation. There was always a complete hush in the room. It's a tragedy that transcends time and place and experience. Completely haunting.

[@BenWeeks-ca]

I heard those names being read in Toronto. And though I did not understand the language or meanings of the individual words which were children's names, I could still feel a deep sense of sorrow for their loss by hearing them.

[@juliealovesart]

Devastating. Ai Weiwei is one of my favorite artists. I hope he lives a long, long life -sometimes, his antics worry me for his own preservation. He is amazing.

[@jasongao8611]

China is like India, poor country in early 2000s . Can't afford to build school that can stay safe under mega 9.0 earthquake. But now china is rich and they can build safe school. It's all about money, believe or not, Chinese people living happily nowadays, more than Canadian or USA people today

[@ppmch]

I think so called important artists should be able to be understood by people. These videos are important. They helps us understand the context behind the art, and takes it a little bit away from pretentious nonsense and closer to admirable inspiration.

[@gabytorres9767]

Wow, you nailed it. I couldn't have said it better. I'm on board with you. I definitely need more of these.

[@divertissementmonas]

I agree also Pedro Manrique. In fact I think its a pity that this video skips over some of the important significance of his work. For example the porcelain crabs entitled 'He Xie" (2012) are a reference to the incident where the Chinese government demolished his newly built Shanghai studio on the 7th November 2010. The crabs were in reference to a pre-demolition banquet he held for over 1000 people where they ate river crabs (he zie). The word in chinese sounds similar the word for 'harmonious society' and represents government propaganda. Also when Ai made 'Straight' (2008) out of the twisted steel bars, he had paid his assistants to secretly purchase them from the government. They represent a 3D map of china along with the names of 5000 children surrounding it. I was extremely surprised that his installation at Blemheim Palace, in England (2014-2015) was not mentioned. The location is significant here representing privilege, British Colonalism and political power. Instead of memorialising victims of society, here he drew attention to the 'Pillars" of society in both England and China where trade 'flows' between the elites of both countries where highlighted and subjugated. Chinese porcelain from east to west and BMW cars from west to east. This exhibition would be a strong case in defence of Ai Weiwei as one of the most renowned contemporary artists working today.

[@MrAurika]

I agree, I wish I could have similar understanding just from visiting art galleries, but unfortunately it only makes me confused.

[@AndrewEdwardBailey]

It is certainly important to have a clear way of countering any attempt by some to hoodwink us into believing some pretentious narratives so that they can ramp up prices or elevate mediocre artists to undrserved stardom.

[@goodstuff4096]

These videos are PR campaining ads paid for by the elitist art groups marketed at the public. They are meant to justify and protect the high prices of the art they have invested in. And protecting that investment (which is strangely nothing more than public perception), involves the manufactured consensus that these artists are "IMPORTANT" Jesus Christ, if there is ever a word that the art establishment beats like a dead horse, it's the word "IMPORTANT" Ai Weiwei does some cool stuff, but man, I wish art could be valued by it's aesthetic wow factor instead of this bullshit of elitist cunts having explain the value and "importance" of their investment.

[@kjkDUB]

This was truly Ai opening

[@saphirarose5866]

nice one!

[@Cobalt360Degrees]

One of my professors actually met him at his Beijing studio when he was under house arrest. He's not only an amazing artist, but apparently a wonderfully personable guy on the individual level.

[@taffythelogolept4490]

My husband is Chinese, and I have a lot of experience with Chinese culture and goings on since it's now, you know, like, half my life. I had heard of Ai Wei Wei and knew some of his work, but this really helped me to see what he stood for. I ABSOLUTELY agree with him and think he's amazing. My husband just watched the video too and is also really impressed. We started a conversation about how the government does tear down so much property in order to sell it to real estate agents and businesses who can use the land. Even my husband was told to leave his apartment within a month several years ago because the complex was being torn down. The weird thing was that the debris stayed on site for over two years. We visited it in 2012, and it was really weird. They were in such a hurry to tear it down only to have it sit unused for years and years. So I stand with Ai! This is just awesome stuff. Way to go, Ai Wei Wei, and way to go, Art Assignment! 太棒了哦！！

[@theartassignment]

Thank you so much for sharing how this video relates to your life and experience. I've admired and studied Ai's work for some time now, and it's incredibly important to me as an outsider to get the story right. I appreciate the reassurance.

[@waelwm4331]

great production value , these are the kinds of videos I'd definitely want to see more of

[@diffbeat979]

Wael WM I completely agree! Love the analysis and meaning.

[@ReadHeadPat]

I love that you describe him as a "constant source of irritation" because that's the perfect way to describe his art! It makes viewers (especially the Chinese government) uncomfortable with the way the government has treated and exploited its people (and how people in general are rendered invisible as seen in his refugee art). I've only seen 2 of his pieces in person (because i keep missing his shows :( ) but his work continues to amaze and inspire me.

[@Tasorius]

So everything you do to annoy a shitty government is completely fine, even if you are just destroying history?

[@helldad4689]

I wonder how many people that hate the vase smashing thing would have recognized or appreciated its history before he dropped it. You go over it more thoroughly in the video, but he did a better job at preserving that historical artifact than 10,000 expertly trained historians and restorers and preservationists working around the clock ever could have. My only other thought about Ai Weiwei is that he's a pretty awesome (and awesomely self-aware) product of what happens when the industrial revolution and the information age happen simultaneously. It's something that's only going to happen a few times in human history: China, India, maybe africa in 15-20 years if it (and the rest of the world) survive climate change and we don't have to claw our way back to the internet after a few centuries of crushing agrarian neo-feudalism.

[@KortovElphame]

Ergo if a person doesn't appreciate somerhing it's open for destruction or a person to murder....🙄

[@Tasorius]

That logic is just stupid. He destroyed a part of history. It's gross to me that idiots call him an "artist" for that. And everything positive you had to say about it was just bullshit.

[@man.6618]

​@Tasorius you arent paying attention.

[@JoesNothingness]

In just under 6 minutes this video completely flipped my opinion on Ai WeiWei for the better. Thank you.

[@MCAndyT]

+

[@PaulIstoan]

If you guys liked this video, you should also watch the documentary "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry"

[@theartassignment]

Strong agree! It's very good. And give so much more information than this, and also gives you the chance to hear directly from the artist.

[@kaanthk9906]

@@theartassignment What is the music that starts at 03:44 i couldn't find it anywhere ?

[@TylerMayMedia]

Wow! This is just so good! You packed so much information into this, but it didn't feel overwhelming.

[@ArtichokeHunter]

I love the complexity with which you make these cases. I love how much they make me think.

[@ProcrastPerfection]

I only ever knew of Ai Weiwei for the selfie of his arrest. I'm glad to finally admire a greater lifetime of works.

[@dbartholemewfox]

It's easy to make the case for Ai Weiwei; he's just plain cool.

[@theartassignment]

That's true. This one was more of a softball. But still a case worth making!

[@acheshirecatgrin]

Actually cried hearing the explanation about the steel bars.. Who knew I'd feel so much emotion on a pile or bars? haha Great video!

[@luaevablue]

I've heard of some of these works, but never about this artist. How weird. He's clearly brillant.

[@cmoran9103]

Please keep making videos. This is my favourite channel on KZbin and I return to it often.

[@neamhu-m479]

I saw his work in the Royal academy of arts in London and it was amazing

[@theartassignment]

I am jealous! Was just at the Royal Academy to see the Abstract Expressionism show. While it was impressive, I would have MUCH rather been there for the Ai Weiwei exhibition.

[@0h0h0h0]

I had the pleasure of seeing an Ai Weiwei exhibition in London a few years back and it was absolutely fantastic. The combination of ancient/old traditions (both in terms of craftmanship and artefacts) and the way he gave them a new or modern use or perspective-not to mention the political concepts behind some of them-was absolutely exquisite. I've seen many exhibitions but this was definitely top 3, if not my favourite ever.

[@kayceemiller4657]

I love the "Case for" videos. They are so informative and keep me thinking for days after I've watched them (most of the time they prompt procrastination because I'm busy doing further reading on the subject matter of the video). I love the content created here! Keep up the great work Art Assignment and PBS :)

[@megtully6425]

Please keep making more of the "case for" videos! I enjoy all of The Art Assignment, but these are interesting, informative and deeply engaging :)

[@mariabumby]

Hands down one of the most inspiring artists that has ever changed me and my perspectives of art,

[@brid101286]

This just makes me feel things. As a Hong Konger, i really appreciate what he strives to do despite the constant oppression.

[@heretustay]

Well, now he's up there as one of my favorite artists. What a badass.

[@jmdza]

More of these!!

[@einzelkindchen]

+

[@punkseth1]

YES WE LOVE THESE SO INSPIRING

[@7skyhorse]

To this day one of my favorite videos on KZbin

[@jonahbrame7874]

Thank you so much for making this video. It made me feel a bunch of different things. And now I know that I need to go see his work because it is beautiful and challenging.

[@danielaplazas3819]

Just went to Ai Wei Wei's exposition here in Sao Paulo because of this video and it was amazing. Thanks!!!

[@alcook8339]

Such a great video that articulates brilliantly how important this man and his art is. GOOD WORK.

[@juliealovesart]

This is like my art history lessons full, full speed ahead - lots of information. Yay! Love it.

[@tomus0n]

I went to Ai's exhibition in Prague today, and having watched this video in prior helped me understand his work more! Thanks :D

[@no_torrs]

One of the truly great artists of our time.

[@Tasorius]

People are so stupid... Supporting shit like this...

[@Artifying]

I had the privilege to see a few of his pieces in DC but didn't know much of his history at the time. Wonderful video.

[@gabrielmcwethy3441]

What an amazing artist and human being. I am so glad that I discovered these videos. Thank you so much for making them.

[@AmeliaBell28]

I was lucky enough to see his installation at Blenheim Palace last spring (works included Stools, Crabs, the wooden map of China, a chair carved from a single block of marble, and a rug designed to mimic a dirt road). I was so happy to see this video in my subscription feed! Also, I'm just now realizing how much I LOVE Sarah's voice. Can she do more narration work?

[@FlammBii]

"the case for" is an awesome series please keep it up

[@jcccheung]

This is such a perfect video essay.

[@AmbroseReed]

God I love this series.

[@letsfindsomepeace9207]

Our professor talked about him in my Art and Ideas class. Inspiring af.

[@rogal2631]

I love your work, i dont know why but it lead me to tears. So beautiful

[@Xylofoam]

such an incredible person. when i saw his zodiac heads in Praque, i thought they where really beautyful. little did i know the person behind the art is even more amazing.

[@Moriqueen34]

And now this is one of my favorite artists 🙏❤️

[@ontop512]

I didn't know Ai was close with Allen Ginsberg, thanks again for an amazing video.

[@paulinapayment9760]

Your video really opened my eyes to him, especially as someone who has a strong passion for history and cultures around the world; He is the artistic devil's advocate.

[@jq27272]

yooooo congrats on the Hirshhorn using this video as part of their online situation educating/advertising his upcoming exhibit!

[@acrossthestarss]

I remember when his work was on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and I went at least 4 times. Amazing video :)

[@sasha9883]

I saw the Ai Wei Wei installation at the Belvedere Museum in Vienna last summer. It was really touching.

[@magnolialac8771]

When I attended an Ai Weiwei exhibit in my hometown of Melbourne earlier this year, I was moved to tears at the wall of the names of school children killed in that earthquake. Some people were leaning against that wall while looking at other things. It just made me even sadder.

[@drunklandlord]

What a gorgeous video retrospective!!

[@notlikewater]

Incredible. Thank you.

[@LuckyLifeguard]

such a great series!!! thank you for creating and sharing C:

[@CookieWednesdays]

Beautiful, Sarah. And it's clear you hang out with writers.

[@shaunaaaah]

Well she is married to one.

[@LuluMC22]

Great video, very powerful and makes all the artist's info super straight and well explained. Loved it.

[@xSTTS]

the idea that you can move to NYC and just be neighbors with Allen Ginsberg is something else wow

[@PaulCarterArt]

Great time capsules for all generations. Well done 🎨🎬 Thank you for sharing

[@gcarraig]

I think about my own rapidly evolving relationships between the making of art, the mission of the artist and an increasing literacy of an American history that I was not taught, nor understood the imperative to excavate and critically examine. "If a nation cannot face its past, it has no future" has been the manifesto rattling around in my brain, without synthesis in such a direct and economical mode. INDEED, Ai Weiwei: indeed.

[@bevruley3852]

It was a great video, i never heard of Ai Weiwei before and here i am a senior citizen. I think Ai Weiwei gave alot of himself for the people of china and also did alot for them. A great man and artist!

[@chicit1]

Which they have no appreciation for and mostly don't even know or understand him.

[@megalyssa]

What a beautiful soul.

[@Matt-eh3vq]

I emailed you (the art assignment) to try and clear something up. Awesome video!

[@socialkonstruct5397]

One of my top five favorite artists ever.

[@nartsylvia]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video! More please!

[@popcornpretzel6720]

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE VIDEOS

[@YoungTheFish]

Great vid as always. Still can't find myself agreeing with most of his work, but can't deny with some of his brilliants.

[@lucylu9009]

Great video! Ai Wei Wei is such a legend.

[@andromedaj2894]

I think Sarah would be an excellent candidate for teaching Crash Course art history course (if it happens that is). These videos are so awesome!

[@shaunaaaah]

I love these defences of artists. I'm taking a philosophy of art class and Duchamp's Fountain keeps coming up, I'd love to see your take on a case for it.

[@Qster1584]

saw his work in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. very cool.

[@easilydistracted5192]

Heyho wish me luck I'll be presenting him tomorrow in our art history seminar on conceptual photography and I'd really like to show this video as well. It's a full 90min presentation/discussion. I'm so happy sitting in front of like ten library books right now...

[@theartassignment]

GOOD LUCK! You'll be great.

[@diego5079]

This is a great video, hope it gets more views

[@gaza5521]

you are an amazing writer ! the script is beautifull

[@acuteoctogon9303]

That man is the essence of the meme with the smirking cat being surrounded by knives. He is awesome!

[@thotianatheslamless1480]

I love this channel so much.

[@OscarWardProduction]

Incredible video, more video essays!

[@AlexaBellaMuerte]

this one brought me to tears

[@KannikCat]

A very well put together video! I got to see Ai's show at Alcatraz (that he himself could not attend to install) and I really enjoyed it, some mighty fine installation art. Would really have loved to see the rebar installation too, even seeing it in the video it's power comes through. I love the meaning he's exploring in his art, the questions he poses, the dangling eddies that gets us to engage. I hope many get turned on to his art by this vid.

[@M2FYuki]

Great narration, Sarah.

[@TimothyEspinosa]

This was amazing!!!!!! Such a wonderful study of Ai

[@ellacsarno411]

I saw Ai Weiwei's migration inspired works at the 21er Haus in Vienna a couple years ago, and it really impressed me. But yesterday I saw Law of the journey, a huge PVC installation - at a commercial gallery's stand. I know this is naive, but I just really can't get over the fact that he capitalizes on refugee topics (not that I, a journalist don't do exactly that...)

[@Xenolilly]

I hate seeing so much destruction, but I understand it.

[@italotter]

Destruction and rebirth; nothing wrong with that, just the motives.

[@emil.jansson]

Bravo 👏.

[@iriejones8292]

Sarah keep doing the thing.

[@LifeInspector]

excellent video, thank you

[@KatieKamala]

Now that is a true artist! Interesting video

[@Jimbreker]

I liked the documentairy i saw on dutch telly, very brave spiritual artist, so relaxed never afraid of the government....heroic guy

[@gerritvos5886]

So important to watch this.

[@SF-bd5ty]

One word "Hero"...shining a spotlight where it needs to be shone...

[@daisyk.j.8113]

This was a really interesting video!

[@Loungemermaid]

I haven't cried at art since I found out about Félix González-Torres.

[@amys3168]

Thank you. I love Ai's work. His destruction of antiquities shook my complacency in a good way. I thank him every time I work with unglazed clay.

[@gotja]

Yes!

[@MrKimSays]

Well articulated!

[@lewisgrace3596]

Superb work

[@chilaquilesdemanny]

So. Much. Wisdom.

[@judejoseph1737]

Congratulations

[@alisantana6056]

probably the most important contemporary artist

[@KajaSvobodova]

This is absolutely perfect! Can you please put somewhere the text you are saying? I would love to learn from it for my Art History studies.

[@paigemarysmith]

Great video.

[@limylime4952]

I'm so overwhelmed by words that I'm speechless now. I guess I'll just say THANK YOU!