Hero of a silkscreen print by Ai Weiwei

Combat fear with truth

€850

Hero of a silkscreen print by Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei

Combat fear with truth

€850

Time-limited edition

Edition of 601

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Ai Weiwei pays tribute to a kindred serpentine spirit.

The second silkscreen in a series inspired by the Chinese Zodiac coincides with the Year of the Snake. Weiwei considers the snake an unduly derided creature – often feared and, like himself, liable to be misrepresented or misunderstood. In Weiwei’s depictions, such as monumental sculptures made from the school bags of earthquake victims or the life jackets of refugees, the snake becomes a conduit for truth.

Combat fear with truth is a precise 5-colour silkscreen created in close collaboration with printmakers at Make-Ready in London. Strategic overprinting, 10 layers in total, enhances the vivacity of each colour and adds depth to the surface of the artwork.

a raised printing screen loaded with black ink

Among the 12 Zodiac signs, the snake is the most unpredictable and carries the richest array of legendary meanings. At the same time, it is also the most misunderstood. The snake’s actions are not easily interpreted in relation to human living conditions. These characteristics resonate with what lies ahead. They reflect our future with their unpredictability and latent potential.

"The traits of the snake mirror the essence of the era we live in."

In navigating this complex world, we should approach matters with care and sharpen our ability to discern the changes around us. We must align ourselves with the flow of nature and embrace its selections with acceptance.

Ai Weiwei

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Reviews from Avant collectors

  • From start to finish, the process of purchasing, claiming the NFT counterpart, and receiving the framed piece was nothing short of excellent. My entire experience with Avant Arte displayed a level of professionalism and excellence across the board. Well done!

  • strong work from all team members - i look forward to the next purchase!

  • Beautifully printed piece. Nice touch on the bag and gloves. Thank you for your efficiency and timely updates.

  • Expertly packaged & printed. We be getting it properly framed to hang. Thank you!

  • Gorgeous! Really blown away by the packaging.

  • Amazing job on the framing and shipping.

  • this was an amazing experience with an amazing work as the result - thank you so much for all the assistance and for such a lovely purchase experience!!!

  • the packaging was amazing.