Ai Weiwei – reviews of Chinese artist's 'poignant' UK shows

Two powerful new shows by the dissident artist remind us of his fighting spirit, say critics

Ai Weiwei, Iron Tree
(Image credit: Courtesy of YSP © Jonty Wilde)

What you need to knowTwo new exhibitions of work by dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei have opened in Britain, one at the Lisson Gallery in London, the other at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield. Ai Weiwei is known for his sculpture, installation, architecture, photography and film, but is most famous for his criticism of the Chinese government, which has resulted in his persecution and imprisonment. He is currently undergoing house detention, and is prohibited from travelling outside Beijing.

Ai's Lisson Gallery show presents objects recalling his incarceration in 2011, including a set of handcuffs carved out of jade, and marble lanterns representing the CCTV cameras watching his house. His show at the YSP features installations and sculptures including a three-dimensional map of China constructed from ironwood salvaged from temples and a tree made from iron.

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