Hanging Man: The Arrest of Ai Weiwei

Author: Martin, Barnaby

Edition: First Edition

Features:

• Used Book in Good Condition

Number Of Pages: 256

Details:

The gripping story of post-Mao China and the harrowing fate of the artist and activist Ai Weiwei In October 2010, Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds appeared in the Turbine Hall in the Tate Modern. In April 2011, he was arrested and held for more than two months in terrible conditions. The most famous living Chinese artist and activist, Weiwei is a figure of extraordinary talent, courage, and integrity. From the beginning of his career, he has spoken out against the world's most powerful totalitarian regime, in part by creating some of the most beautiful and mysterious artworks of our age, works which have touched millions around the world. Just after Ai Weiwei's release from illegal detention, Barnaby Martin flew to Beijing to interview him about his imprisonment and to learn more about what is really going on behind the scenes in the upper echelons of the Chinese Communist Party. Based on these interviews and Martin's own intimate connections with China, Hanging Man is an exploration of Weiwei's life, art, and activism and also a meditation on the creative process, and on the history of art in modern China. It is a rich picture of the man and his milieu, of what he is trying to communicate with his art, and of the growing campaign for democracy and accountability in China. It is a book about courage and hope found in the absence of freedom and justice. From Booklist During a 2011 crackdown on dissidents in China, Ai Weiwei, the brilliant and courageous artist and activist who has magnetized a global Internet following, was arrested and held for 81 days. Though forbidden to speak with foreign journalists, he agreed to talk with Martin. They first met in London when Weiwei’s landmark Sunflower Seeds exhibition opened at the Tate. Martin sets the scene with a brisk overview of twentieth-century Chinese history and Weiwei’s family’s banishment to the Gobi Desert after his renowned poet father ran afoul of Mao. He also illuminates Weiwei’s ingenious, often collaborative art; pivotal role in catalyzing China’s contemporary art movement; and daring, innovative activism. In the stunned aftermath of his illegal detention, Weiwei recounts his terrifying and absurd ordeal, during which, handcuffed to a chair, he explained conceptual art to his surprisingly respectful interrogators and sympathized with the impoverished and oppressed young guards. Martin’s vivid and affecting portrait attests both to Weiwei’s now severely restricted circumstances and his undiminished spirit and conviction as an artist of conscience and a resounding champion for freedom and democracy, responsibility and justice. --Donna Seaman

Reviews:

“Martin's vivid and affecting portrait attests both to Weiwei's now severely restricted circumstances and his undiminished spirit and conviction as an artist of conscience and a resounding champion for freedom and democracy, responsibility and justice.” ―Donna Seaman, Booklist

“Engaging and timely . . . Martin takes care to establish the historical, political, and artistic context of Ai's work . . . An excellent introduction to Ai and the power of contemporary Chinese art.” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A book that offers great clarity on an important subject without succumbing to oversimplification.” ―Kirkus (starred review)

“[Martin's] fascinating, well-written book has many layers . . . Martin does an excellent job in linking Ai's case to that of other intellectuals and artists, and to the broader issues China faces.” ―Jonathan Fenby, The Times

“Fascinating ... Hanging Man is a com­pelling study of Ai's work and significance.” ―Stuart Kelly, Scotsman

“Martin's passion for the integrity of the artists and writers who pioneered China's artistic renaissance after Mao lifts this account . . . The result is a memorable snapshot of the inspiring figures who remain true to their creative ideals in today's China, despite the official repression of originality.” ―Isabel Hilton, The Guardian

“Hanging Ma...

EAN: 9780374167752

Release Date: 17-09-2013

Languages: English

Item Condition: New

Binding: Hardcover