AI Weiwei Gives the Middle Finger in New Circular Print

Produced by Avant Arte and Make-Ready.

Art
2.0K 0 Comments
Save

Ai Weiwei has never been fond of the authorities, emblematic of his Study of Perspective (1995-2011) series, in which the Chinese dissident artist photographed himself giving the bird to iconic monuments and established power structures. Reuniting with London studio Avant Arte, Weiwei distills his choice symbol into a new print edition featuring a medley of middle fingers.

Available in a blue and black option, the circular artworks are each handmade using a carved wooden block loaded with black ink, introducing unique variations in texture to the surface of the artwork. Created in collaboration with fellow British printer Make-Ready, the compositions emit a lustrous finish that hark to Weiwei’s porcelain sculptures, which are also inspired by ancient Chinese ceramics from the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

Each variation of Circle in Black is limited to an edition of 100, measuring 23.6 x 23.6 inches (unframed) and 26.3 x 26.3 inches (framed). The single color woodblock print is produced on 225gsm Liber Charta White Smooth paper and comes signed and numbered with a certificate of authenticity by the artist. For collectors looking to purchase, please visit Avant Arte to enter the drawing, which closes on Tuesday, December 10 at 9am ET.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Ai Weiwei Relives His Detention in 24-Hour Long Performance
Art

Ai Weiwei Relives His Detention in 24-Hour Long Performance

Part of his new ‘Button Up!’ exhibition in Manchester.

CART Department Brings Ai Weiwei’s Iconic BMW LEGO Art Car to NYC
Art

CART Department Brings Ai Weiwei’s Iconic BMW LEGO Art Car to NYC

The show explores how Weiwei transformed LEGO censorship into a global movement.

Gregory Crewdson Explores the Dark Side of Suburbia in New ‘Dream House’ Prints
Art

Gregory Crewdson Explores the Dark Side of Suburbia in New ‘Dream House’ Prints

Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tilda Swinton, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.


Ai Weiwei and Rubelli’s ‘About Silk’ Is a Panopticon of Precious Fabrics
Art

Ai Weiwei and Rubelli’s ‘About Silk’ Is a Panopticon of Precious Fabrics

The dissident artist flips the bird once again — this time, in sumptuous silks.

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre Officially Release "Outta Da Blue"
Music

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre Officially Release "Outta Da Blue"

The pair’s latest ‘Missionary’ single.

Hans Op de Beeck's 'Whispered Tales' Finds Solace in Dust-Colored Wonder
Art

Hans Op de Beeck's 'Whispered Tales' Finds Solace in Dust-Colored Wonder

On view at Templon in New York through December 21, 2024.

Watch Omar Apollo's Spanish Serenade for A24’s ‘Queer' Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Music

Watch Omar Apollo's Spanish Serenade for A24’s ‘Queer' Directed by Luca Guadagnino

“Te Maldigo” features Nine Inch Nails member Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the Latin-inspired production.

"Sonic Heirloom" Provides a Medium for Preserving Memory in the Digital Age
Design

"Sonic Heirloom" Provides a Medium for Preserving Memory in the Digital Age

Map Project Office enlisted sound design studio Father to conceive a phygital experience that combines digital memory with tangible craft.

Rizzoli Honors Keiichi Tanaami in Latest Artist Monograph
Art

Rizzoli Honors Keiichi Tanaami in Latest Artist Monograph

Highlighting genre-defying projects by the late postwar Japanese artist.

Nike x sacai Support One Another in New Capsule
Fashion

Nike x sacai Support One Another in New Capsule

Alongside a Yusuke Hanai sculpture inspired by the quote: “When we stumble and fall, and feel it’s impossible to carry on, there are people on our side encouraging us to take the next step forward.”


Ken Burns Paints a Humanist Portrait on the Mind of Leonardo da Vinci
Art

Ken Burns Paints a Humanist Portrait on the Mind of Leonardo da Vinci

His latest two-part documentary is available to watch on PBS.

Aminé Drops Off '.mp3s' EP
Music

Aminé Drops Off '.mp3s' EP

Complete with two new tracks: “s2wik” and “Wingz” with Cardo Got Wings.

Kenny Mason Unveils 'Angel Eyes' Mixtape
Music

Kenny Mason Unveils 'Angel Eyes' Mixtape

Marking his second full-length project of 2024.

Maurizio Cattelan's Duct-Taped Banana Brings in $6.24 Million USD
Art

Maurizio Cattelan's Duct-Taped Banana Brings in $6.24 Million USD

Surpassing its $1.5 million USD estimate after just 10 minutes of heated bidding at Sotheby’s New York.

SCOPE Art Show 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Art

SCOPE Art Show 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Returning to Miami Beach for its 23rd edition from December 3–8, 2024.

agnès b to Unveil Monumental Harmony Korine Retrospective in Paris
Art

agnès b to Unveil Monumental Harmony Korine Retrospective in Paris

Works from the French designer’s personal collection of Korine’s work — the largest in the world.

More ▾