Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is an internationally renowned contemporary artist, documentarian, activist, and prominent voice against the Chinese Government’s suppression of democracy and human rights. Ai Weiwei was among the first generation of students to study in the United States in post-reform China. Upon his return to China 12 years later he became known for his bold investigations into government corruption and criticism of China’s efforts to suppress democracy. 

After an 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province in 2008, Ai and a team helped to survey and reveal the names of more than 5,000 students who perished in the earthquake due to substandard school campus constructions. The following year Ai was beaten after testifying on behalf of another investigator and required emergency brain surgery. After a period of detainment and confiscation of his passport, Ai Weiwei would permanently leave China to reside in Europe. Ai is the recipient of countless fellowships and awards including Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.