Ai Weiwei on Censorship

The art world mourns the passing of Celeste Dupuy-Spencer, a prominent artist and activist known for her politically charged paintings and human rights advocacy, who died at the age of 46. Simultaneously, dissident artist Ai Weiwei has released a new book titled 'On Censorship,' which reflects on his career-long struggle against state persecution and the nuances of freedom of expression. Other notable developments include Gagosian's announcement of a new Upper Manhattan space dedicated to Marcel Duchamp and the detention of artist Criselda Vasquez’s father by ICE.

Ai Weiwei and the Art of Keeping Your Mouth Shut

Dissident artist Ai Weiwei explores the corrosive nature of state control and self-restraint in his new book, "On Censorship" (2026). Drawing from a lifetime of persecution—including his father’s exile to a labor camp, his own 81-day detention in 2011, and recent digital erasure by Chinese AI—Ai argues that censorship fundamentally strips individuals of their humanity. He highlights how the mechanism of silencing has evolved from overt state violence in the East to a more insidious culture of self-censorship in the West, exemplified by the cancellation of his own 2023 exhibition at Lisson Gallery following comments on the conflict in Gaza.

Silk Carries Stories of 3,000 Years

"Seide trägt Geschichten von 3000 Jahren"

Renowned artist Ai Weiwei has collaborated with the historic Italian textile house Rubelli to create a series of silk objects for Milan Design Week. The installation features intricate silk patterns incorporating the artist's signature political motifs, including handcuffs, surveillance cameras, and the Twitter bird. Despite his vocal criticism of the modern design industry as a profit-driven machine lacking ethics and philosophy, Ai was persuaded by Rubelli’s commitment to craftsmanship and their shared respect for the historical weight of the material.

“The State of the World? An Act of Madness.” Interview with Ai Weiwei, Arriving in Milan with a Surprise Installation

“Lo stato del mondo? Un atto di follia”. Intervista con Ai Weiwei che arriva a Milano con un’installazione a sorpresa

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has unveiled a surprise site-specific installation in Milan, created in collaboration with the historic Venetian textile house Rubelli. Located in the Rubelli showroom for Fuorisalone 2026, the immersive work features a large-scale lampas fabric woven with silk and gold threads, depicting symbols of surveillance, censorship, and political struggle such as handcuffs, the Twitter bird, and alpacas.