Ai Weiwei: The Liberty of Doubt is published to accompany an exhibition by the internationally renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (b.1957, Beijing) at Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge, in which new and existing work will be shown alongside historic Chinese objects.
In the sphere of art appreciation, there is a long tradition in China of taking a more fluid, less fixed view regarding authenticity than is the case in the West, often valuing the act of copying. The exhibition will explore notions of truth, authenticity and value as well as globalisation, the coronavirus pandemic and the current geopolitical crisis. Ai Weiwei will reflect upon liberty in the West, in contrast to China and other countries with authoritarian regimes, to question truth and authority, express doubt and seek transparency in political matters.
Fully illustrated. Essays by John Tancock and James J. Lally. Featuring an interview with the artist by Elizabeth Brown and Andrew Nairne and an artist statement on human rights by
Ai Weiwei himself.
Published in association with Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge, to accompany the exhibition of the same name on until 19 June 2022.