Ai Weiwei

Hong Kong (Top)   Mona Lisa (Bottom)  -   Study of Perspective 1995-2003

Photographers interjecting their presence in front of the viewfinder. The photographer wants the viewer to see how they are in a way 'claiming' the landscape, in relation to how the freedom of  people is being claimed unfairly around the world. The Mona Lisa image is even more stirring, the aura that is held by this piece is unquestionable as it is recognized world wide, however what I think Weiwei wants to get at are the constraints now faced by artists such as himself  for speaking the truth.  People must understand that the very art they consume is at risk, Weiwei is rejecting the establishment. His own studio was demolished without warning by the Chinese government as it was said to be 'illegal'.  He could be going as far as saying that people should concentrate on a matter which is so vital, at our doors, understand that today works of art are creating a much different kind of aura. His finger represents the anger and freedom he seeks to find. The very freedom we seek to explore is being crushed. Where peoples own freedom of self expression is being silenced for creating work which questions the norm, the familiar, alas how free are we really?
Weiwei whereabouts is unknown

"you constantly ask yourself if physically
                            or mentally you are strong enough for jail"