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

Sold out

Love this work?

Join waiting list to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

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

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word


Reviews from Avant collectors

  • It's awesome! The artwork quality is superb! I really really loved everything you did - the gloves, the totem bag, the letter... amazing! Thanks so much!

  • Incredible piece, well packaged, everything was A+++.

  • beautiful print. top notch

  • The highest quality and most innovative print I've ever seen. Amazing!

  • The artwork is amazing, the quality of the printing is sublime, I am totally amazed, Thank you

  • The best print buying experience I've had by far. Thank you for all the effort.

  • The work is absolutely stunning! The embossing, thick paper, it impressively captures Condo’s oil gestures and overall vibrance…

  • Congratulations for the perfect service!