Ai Weiwei was born in northwest China but was sent to a labor camp in Beidahuang, Heilongjiang, when he was only a year old. There he was raised for the early years of his life. His father Aì Qīng’s involvement in the Anti-Rightist Movement led to the family's exile shortly afterward to Shihezi, Xinjiang, where Ai spent the duration of his childhood. Upon Mao Zedong’s death, the family returned to Beijing in 1976.
Following the family’s return home, Ai enrolled in the Beijing Film Academy to study animation in 1978. He was one of the founders of the avant-garde art group the Stars alongside contemporaries Ma Desheng, Wang Keping, Mao Lizi, Huang Rui, Li Shuang, Ah Cheng and Qu Leilei. The Stars disbanded in the 1980s, but Ai participated in regular shows that recalled the ten years that the group had been together, including at the Hanart Gallery in 1989 and the retrospective 2007 exhibition at Beijing's Origin Point.
Ai moved to the USA in 1981, among the earliest of students to study abroad following China’s reform in 1980, which afforded him the opportunity to take the TOEFL in 1981. He lived in Philadelphia and then in San Francisco, studying English at the University of California, Berkeley. Afteward, Ai studied at Parsons School of Design in New York City and attended the Art Students League of New York from 1983 to 1986. He initially made a living by drawing street portraits.
Immersing himself in the Pop art scene, which was rapidly gaining popularity, Ai began creating conceptual art and photography. Ai returned to China after his father became ill in 1993, and while there he helped to establish the experimental art scene called Beijing East Village. In 1999, Ai built a studio house in Beijing — his first architectural project. Ai founded the architecture studio FAKE Design in 2003, and co-curated the art exhibition "Fuck Off" with Feng Boyi in Shanghai.
In 2011, Ai was arrested and jailed. Released after 81 days, the government confiscated his passport. His release was in part due to the uproar of the art world against his charges of tax evasion; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the International Council of Museums both organized petitions, collecting almost 100,000 signatures calling for his release. When he reclaimed his passport in 2015, Ai moved to Berlin and lived in a studio. It became a base for him to create his international work.
Ai is the artistic director of China Art Archives & Warehouse. The experimental gallery and archive, co-founded by Ai in 1997, concentrates on experimental art from the People’s Republic of China, initiating and facilitating exhibitions both in China and internationally.
Ai's work is in the collections of museums worldwide, including the Tate, London; Arken, London; Brooklyn Museum, New York; and the RA, London. His international architectural collaborations, including the Beijing National Stadium and the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, have consistently been met with critical acclaim.
Find a variety of authentic Ai Weiwei prints, paintings and other art today on 1stDibs.
AI WEIWEI - Coca-Cola Glass Vase. Limited edition modern glass sculpture
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Ai Weiwei - Coca-Cola Glass Vase Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Translucent red glass Edition: 300 Size: 19 x 21 x 21.2 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displaye...
Glass
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE. Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE Date of creation: 2021 Medium: Tin sculpture Edition: 250 Size: 32 x 12 x 8 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT THE WORK Li...
Metal
"Coca Cola" Vase
By Ai Weiwei
Located in London, GB
Murano, cast vase in translucent red glass. Includes original packaging and ply presentation box. Edition of 300. Produced in 2023. This work comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Glass
Ai Weiwei Pequi Tree Minature Tin Sculpture 1/100 Scale Edition of 250
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Draper, UT
Pequi Tree Miniature is a sculpture, created from the most recent work by Ai Weiwei, Pequi Tree, 2018-2020, and produced at a 1/100 scale. The sculpture is...
Metal
Ai Weiwei, Coca-Cola Vase (Blue)
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Hamburg, DE
Ai Weiwei (Chinese, b. 1957) Coca-Cola Vase (Blue), 2024 Medium: Glass sculpture (Murano) Dimensions: 20.5 x 22 cm (8.07 × 8.66 in) Edition of 100: Engraved signature on base, ha...
Glass
Untitled (Coca Cola) By AI Weiwei
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Untitled (Coca Cola) By AI Weiwei Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist whose diverse body of work spans sculpture, installations, and social commentary...
Paper
$75,034Sale Price|20% Off
Study of Perspective in Glass (Set of 6) by Ai Weiwei–Contemporary
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Zug, CH
Ai Weiwei Study of Perspective in Glass (Set of 6) 2020 Murano Glass Casting 12.5 × 10 × 9 cm (4.9 × 3.9 × 3.5 in) Hand-signed by artist, Signed and numbered on accompanying certific...
Glass
Push Up Wood Figure
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Washington , DC, DC
This push up wooden figure features Ai Weiwei standing on top of a Han Dynasty urn printed with one of his trademark "ism's." It is inspired by his artwork ...
Wood
$1,635Sale Price|20% Off
Guardian, 2024 by Ai Weiwei, Silkscreen, Chinese, Symbolism, Contemporary Art
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Zug, CH
Ai Weiwei Guardian 2024 2 colour silkscreen with a metallic glitter base layer, printed on 410gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper 59.94 × 59.94 cm (23.6 × 23.6 in) Signed and ...
Paper, Glitter
$11,303
Ai Weiwei, Coca-Cola Glass Vase - Limited Edition Sculpture, Engraved Signature
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Hamburg, DE
Ai Weiwei (Chinese, b. 1957) Coca-Cola Glass Vase, 2023 Medium: Cast vase in translucent red glass Dimensions: ⌀ 19 cm x 21 cm x 21.2 cm (7 1/2 × 8 3/10 × 8 3/10 in) Edition of 300: ...
Glass
$25,011Sale Price|20% Off
Vases in Five Colours (Set of 5), 2024 by Ai Weiwei, Murano Glass
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Zug, CH
Ai Weiwei Vases in Five Colours (Set of 5) 2024 Murano Glass 20.5 × 20.5 × 22 cm Signed and numbered on accompanying certificate and inscribed on the bottom Less than 40 compiled wit...
Glass
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I). Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I) Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Cast aluminium Edition: 50 + 2 A/P Size: 20 x 15.8 x 14.4 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT...
Metal
Artist Hand
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Vancouver, CA
"Ai Weiwei's 'Artist Hand' is a striking sculpture that boldly presents a cast of the artist's hand with his middle finger extended. More than just a gesture, it encapsulates Ai Weiw...
Resin
Pequi Tree
By Ai Weiwei
Located in London, GB
Ai Weiwei Pequi Tree Miniature, 2021 Tin 12 3/5 × 3 1/10 in 32 × 8 cm Edition of 250 The "Pequi Tree" is a notable installation by the renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. This artwo...
Metal
Ai Weiwei, Pequi Tree - Limited Edition Sculpture, Chinese Contemporary Art
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Hamburg, DE
The Pequi Tree Miniature is based on Ai Weiwei's 32 meter sculpture, Pequi Tree from 2018-2020, and was produced at a 1/100 scale. As the large cast iron sculpture, the miniature wit...
Metal
3D Printing of My Left Hand - 3D Hand Chinese Edition of 20
By Ai Weiwei
Located in London, GB
This aluminium sculpture was created by the artist Ai Wei Wei. It is numbered in black ink from the edition of 20, on an affixed label. There were also two artist’s proofs aside from...
Metal
$11,255Sale Price|22% Off
Vases in Black and White (Set of 2), 2024 by Ai Weiwei, Murano Glass
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Zug, CH
Ai Weiwei Vases in Black and White (Set of 2) 2024 Murano Glass 20.5 × 20.5 × 22 cm Signed and numbered on accompanying certificate and inscribed on the bottom Less than 20 compiled with matching numbers out of the total edition of 100. In excellent condition PLEASE NOTE: Edition numbers could vary from the one shown in the images. Ai Weiwei often explores the intersection between ancient tradition and contemporary global culture. His earlier works such as Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn...
Glass
$1,100
H 5.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Blossom 3, Abstract ceramic sculpture, purple flower
By Rachelle Krieger
Located in New York, NY
Artist Statement by Rachelle Krieger: These new ceramic sculptural works are a reflection of biodiversity and vitality, capturing natural elements in various stages of life. During ...
Wire
$720Sale Price|40% Off
H 32 in W 30 in D 0.25 in
Cones (3 Boards) - Limited edition skate board series with original photography
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Limited edition skate board series with original photography artwork by Frank Schott, in collaboration with Swiss design studio Doodah. Limited edition series 100 boards produced [...
Maple, Screen, Photographic Paper, Digital
$900Sale Price|70% Off
H 14 in W 18 in D 1 in
After Keith Haring "BEST BUDDIES" Beaded Wall Sculp by CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd
By CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
Signed and dated 2025. OPEN FOR COMMISSIONS!!! ALTERTATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and ...
Glass, Resin, Mixed Media
$9,950Sale Price|71% Off
H 57 in W 36 in D 45 in
PRINCE BLAZE (The Official Dragon Prince Of 2024: The Year Of The Dragon)
By Mauro Oliveira
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**NEW YEAR FINAL 90 DAYS SALE UNTIL MARCH 31ST** **STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** **EVERYTHING MUST GO UNTIL APRIL1ST!** >>Th...
Metal
$1,560Sale Price|89% Off
H 18 in W 12 in D 14 in
Swarovski Skull Sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, Pop Art, 21st Century
By Mauro Oliveira
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**NEW YEAR FINAL 90 DAYS SUPER SALE UNTIL MARCH 31ST** **STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** **EVERYTHING MUST GO UNTIL APRIL1ST!** ...
Metal
Hyperreal Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 4
By Dylan Martinez
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal glass water balloon installation - Set of 4 sculptures (pale yellow, purple, blue and pink) by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic wat...
Blown Glass, Glass
$2,700
H 31 in W 13 in D 6 in
Chroma-Universal Man Sculpture, Pop Art, Glass & Mixed Media, 2010+
By CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
ALTERATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and various Mexican Huichol artists and Mexican Huicho...
Glass, Mixed Media
$880Sale Price|20% Off
H 7 in W 7 in D 7 in
Husk 1, Abstract ceramic sculpture, red and yellow
By Rachelle Krieger
Located in New York, NY
Artist Statement by Rachelle Krieger: These new ceramic sculptural works are a reflection of biodiversity and vitality, capturing natural elements in various stages of life. During ...
Wire
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 13 in W 8.5 in D 7.5 in
Bunny Love III Sculpture, Mixed Media and Glass, Pop Art, Signed 2025
By CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
Signed and dated 2025. OPEN FOR COMMISSIONS!!! This BUNNY LOVE sculpture was created as a homage to a powerful artist friend, as a a recollection and dedication to a creative person...
Glass, Mixed Media
$1,800
H 12 in W 14 in D 2 in
"Gay Armory" Ceramic weapons, Sailor Moon, pink, wood motif, Nostalgia, 90's
By Jeff Rubio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Gay Armory" is an original piece by Jeff Rubio made from stoneware, glaze, epoxy clay, 22k gold. This pieces measures 12"h x 11.5"w x 2"d and comes with a signed Certificate of Auth...
Gold
$900
H 9 in W 6 in D 8 in
Chroma First Order Stormtrooper Helmet Sculpture, Glass Mixed Media
By CHROMA aka Rick Wolfryd
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
ALTERATION ART . . . is a collaboration process between Rick Wolfryd, fine artist and art dealer with over 40 years experience, and various Mexican Huichol artists and Mexican Huicho...
Glass, Mixed Media
$800
H 30 in W 7.5 in D 2.5 in
"Beaded Flower 10" Oversized terracotta beads, Ceramics, Flora Hanging Sculpture
By Jeff Rubio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beaded Flower 10" is an original piece by Jeff Rubio made from terra cotta and stoneware beads, glaze, rope, metal hardware, steel paperclip. This pieces measures 30"h x 7.5"w x 2.5...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 12.6 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE. Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE Date of creation: 2021 Medium: Tin sculpture Edition: 250 Size: 32 x 12 x 8 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT THE WORK Li...
Metal
Sold
H 7.49 in W 8.27 in D 8.35 in
AI WEIWEI - Coca-Cola Glass Vase. Limited edition modern glass sculpture
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Ai Weiwei - Coca-Cola Glass Vase Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Translucent red glass Edition: 300 Size: 19 x 21 x 21.2 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displaye...
Glass
Sold
H 7.88 in W 6.23 in D 5.67 in
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I). Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I) Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Cast aluminium Edition: 50 + 2 A/P Size: 20 x 15.8 x 14.4 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT...
Metal
Coca-Cola Glass Vase
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Ai Weiwei - Coca-Cola Glass Vase Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Translucent red glass Edition: 300 Size: 19 x 21 x 21.2 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displaye...
Glass
Sold
H 12.6 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE. Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - PEQUI TREE Date of creation: 2021 Medium: Tin sculpture Edition: 250 Size: 32 x 12 x 8 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT THE WORK Li...
Metal
Sold
H 7.88 in W 6.23 in D 5.67 in
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I). Limited edition sculpture, Contemporary, Modern design
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Madrid, Madrid
AI WEIWEI - CEDAR (I) Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Cast aluminium Edition: 50 + 2 A/P Size: 20 x 15.8 x 14.4 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never displayed ABOUT...
Metal
Sold
H 5.91 in W 3.94 in D 3.55 in
Study of Perspective in Glass (Violet) -Contemporary, 21st Century, Ai Weiwei
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Zug, CH
Study of Perspective in Glass (Violet) -Contemporary, 21st Century, Ai Weiwei, China Study of Perspective in Glass (Violet), 2018-2019 Murano Gla...
Glass
Artist's Hand
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Comes with original box
Resin
Sold
H 5.52 in W 1.97 in
Everything is Art, Everything is Politics, Wood Sculpture 2015 by Ai Weiwei
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Everything is Art, Everything is Politics, Wood Sculpture 2015 Wood New, unused condition. Printed text on base. 5.5 × 2 in 14 × 5 cm
Wood
Sold
H 5.52 in W 1.97 in
Everything is Art, Everything is Politics, Wood Sculpture 2015
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Everything is Art, Everything is Politics, Wood Sculpture 2015 Wood New, unused condition. Printed text on base. 5.5 × 2 in 14 × 5 cm
Wood
Artist’s hand (2017) (signed)
By Ai Weiwei
Located in Woodbury, CT
Ai Weiwei Artist's Hand, 2017 Cast urethane resin multiple with electroplated rhodium 12.5 x 9.5 x 10.8 cm (4 7/8 x 3 3/4 x 4 1/4 in.) With incised signature on the underside, from t...
Resin
Ai Weiwei 'The Artist's Hand' signed, limited edition sculpture
By Ai Weiwei
Located in San Rafael, CA
Ai Weiwei (Chinese, born 1957) The Artist's Hand, 2017 Electroplated rhodium on cast urethane resin multiple Edition of 1000. Incised signature on base. 5in H x 4in L x 4in W With ...
Metal