Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and activist known for his installations, sculpture, architecture,photography, and outspoken criticism of the Chinese government’s abuse of human rights and democracy. His work has been exhibited throughout North and South America, Europe, and Australia. Ai collaborated with the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron to help create the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, later distancing himself from the project and withdrawing from his advisory role in protest. Ai was arrested in 2011 on charges of tax evasion; after several months, he was released on bail and ordered to pay back taxes. He is currently prohibited from leaving the country without permission.
