麻豆约拍

The internationally acclaimed artist and activist's memoir turns to his detention in 2011, and he considers why freedom is precious. Benedict Wong reads.

In this intimate and compelling memoir by one of the art world鈥檚 superstars, Ai Weiwei charts his journey as an artist and a human rights activist. It also tells the story of Ai Weiwei's father, Ai Qing arguably China鈥檚 most celebrated poet. During the Cultural Revolution Ai Qing was banished, along with his sons Ai Weiwei and Gao Jian, to a remote region of China. He was subjected to degrading work, while Ai Weiwei endured a harsh childhood. Later, aged 19 Ai Weiwei left for America where he studied art. Later, his career as a major artist took off with projects like his installation of 100 million ceramic sunflower seeds at Tate Modern. Ai Weiwei鈥檚 art has always been informed by his social activism. His criticism of China, and especially its human rights record, has brought him to the attention of the authorities, culminating in his detention in 2011. While imprisoned he reflected on his father's life, and thoughts of his own son, Ai Lao occupied him. Fathers and sons, China鈥檚 totalitarianism, the role of art, freedom of expression, and the need to protect it at all cost, are at the heart of this inspiring life story.

Benedict Wong reads, he played Ai Weiwei in Howard Brenton's play, The Arrest of Ai Weiwei at the Hampstead Theatre in 2013. For Marvel fans, he is known for playing Wong in Dr Strange. He has also played Kublai Khan in the acclaimed Netflix series Marco Polo.

Photo: Ai Weiwei with Ai Qing at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, November 1959
Written by Ai Weiwei
Translated by Allan H. Barr
Abridged by Penny Leicester
Produced by Elizabeth Allard.