Ai Weiwei to Unveil New Handbook at NYC’s Strand Bookstore
Offering a rare moment to hear Ai Weiwei share his perspective firsthand.
Summary
- Book launch and talk with Ai Weiwei at Strand Bookstore this Sept 5
- ‘Ai Weiwei Handbook’ published by No More Rulers, highlights art and activism
The Strand Book Store will host a special event this Friday, September 5, with Ai Weiwei appearing in conversation with writer Orville Schell to celebrate the launch of Ai Weiwei Handbook published by No More Rulers. The talk offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his work and activism, as well as the making of the new volume. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Ai Weiwei Handbook is the latest release in a new series by No More Rulers spotlighting visionary artists. The book serves as a compact and affordable guide to Ai’s career, presenting his work across sculpture, photography, film, architecture and social media. Edited with a foreword by Larry Warsh and text by Foong Ping, the 148-page hardcover includes 69 color and 21 black-and-white illustrations.
The volume highlights pivotal works such as “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn” (1995), a performance that questioned cultural value and authority and “Straight” (2008), created from rebar recovered after the Sichuan Earthquake. It also documents Ai’s more recent responses to global humanitarian crises, including “Law of the Journey,” a massive inflatable installation commemorating refugees and his feature-length documentary Human Flow.
Beyond cataloging iconic pieces, the handbook underscores Ai’s role as a cultural dissident and international voice for free expression. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai emerged from a politically charged environment to become one of the most visible critics of state power. His work, often confrontational and socially engaged, continues to influence global conversations on democracy, censorship and human rights.
The handbook retails for $18.95 USD on through No More Rulers website and is distributed internationally through select stockists including Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
