Why bother with Ai Weiwei?

In my artwork I usually have zero interest in political events, or public figures. The internal world of ideas, concepts and people I actually know is where my mind usually resides. But every so often something draws me out of my little fantasy world of naked ladies and alien worlds....


Such is the case with Ai Weiwei. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Mr. Weiwei is a prominent Chinese Artist who was taken into custody by Chinese authorities at the beginning of April for dubious reasons and hasn't been released from custody yet. Read all about it on Free Ai Weiwei.org . His artwork frequently comments on human rights and criticizes government policies. As he states: "If artists betray the social conscience and the basic principles of being human, where does art stand then?"

So yesterday, local arts advocate Mike Brenner, shaved his head in the style of Ai Weiwei to show support and help bring attention to this issue because the Milwaukee Art Museum is currently hosting a major exhibition of ancient Chinese art. I heard about Mike's performance and quickly produced this painting to help participate. Since he did that I've read about a hundred scathing comments aimed at his motives for doing it. I think his motive is to bring attention to the issue, and I'd say he succeeded. Hopefully there will be more local events aimed at bringing attention to Ai Weiwei's situation in the coming months as my hometown museum hosts this major exhibition of Chinese Art and Artifacts. Otherwise Milwaukee appears oblivious, backwards and indifferent to major events in the Art world, and to human rights in general.

Working on my Ai Weiwei painting

Finished for now, may add more later.

Across from Art Museum near the site of the O'Donnell Park disaster.

Free Ai Weiwei T-shirt

Media looks on as Mike shaves his head.

I'll leave you with one more quote from Ai Weiwei:

"If there is one person who is still not free, then I am not; if there is one person who still suffers from insult and humiliation, then I do. Do you understand yet?"