China's Most Dangerous Man

There’s no doubt that Ai Weiwei is arguably the greatest artist alive today.

A man truly worthy of respect for his subversiveness and (violent) ways of activism that shakes people to their core. But another reflection of admiration for him is fruitless as it merely adds to his fanbase. That is not the reason he makes art. Such acclaim in excess dilutes the causes that he fights for.

Labelled ‘China’s most dangerous man’, ironically being endangered by China itself.

In a climate of authoritarian rule, any action seen as against has terrifying consequences. For any person not to be deterred by this, takes an overwhelming amount of guts (no pun intended). Ai Weiwei does so unapologetically, putting his life on the line to be a voice for the silenced.

How unfortunate that art, while appreciation for it is still slowly growing outside the discipline, remains within the realm of the superficial and aesthetics.

Not to say that all artists have to take an anti-government stance, but artists hold a special responsibility to one way or another improve ways of living, either that is pleasing to the eye or not being afraid to challenge the status quo in the face of injustice.