00:15

Ai Weiwei

Guardian

€650

Edition of 160160.0 (H) × 60.0 (W) cm

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Self-satire meets storied symbolism in a sparkling silkscreen print by Ai Weiwei.

In Chinese tradition, a Door God is placed at an entrance or threshold to protect those inside from harm. By casting himself as this totemic figure, Weiwei acknowledges his standing in global consciousness, draws parallels with his life as an artist, and attempts to resolve the two.

Familiar motifs nod to the negative influences that Weiwei, in divine form, might ward off – from censorship and propaganda to corruption and surveillance. Red, meanwhile, promises good fortune for the year ahead.

To create the edition, printers at Make-Ready developed a new technique designed to echo a ceramic tile or cast concrete in silkscreen form. Bespoke gold ink ‘overloaded’ with metallic pigment and glitter is applied to the paper as a solid layer, then veiled by a layer of vibrant red to reveal an intricate illustration in negative space.

Framing

Prints can be ordered float mounted in one of two bespoke framing options.

Medium

2 colour silkscreen with a metallic glitter base layer, printed on 410gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper.

Authentication

Individually signed by the artist (lower right corner) and numbered (lower left corner).

Certificate of Authenticity

Arrives with a certificate of authenticity.

Release date

February 15, 2024

Payment

Pay with bank card, crypto, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you wish you to use an alternative payment method, get in touch.

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Behind the scenes

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00:51

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei31 collaborationsAi Weiwei is unafraid to speak truth to power. He’s one of the most famous living artists today – a testament to the breadth and vision of his practice. Effortlessly, he moves between different media, from sculpture and architecture to performance and documentary film. His work is often monumental in scale and is driven by a hunger for truth and justice. In 2008, for example, Ai spent many months collecting the names of over 5000 children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake. This unflinching dedication to human rights saw him detained by the Chinese government for 81 days in 2011, accused of ‘subverting the state.’

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Had a great experience. The Avant Art team was extremely helpful throughout the entire transaction.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
Great packaging and superb frame! nice piece
Review of Actual Size
Love my new Snowfro piece and all the little extras that came with it! The tote bag in particular is immaculate 🤌
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
great experience
Review of Guardian
Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
Fantastic packaging and very good service so Happy.
Review of Out of the Dark
the packaging was amazing.
Review of Actual Size
Great experience to buy from you. Felt like I was someone you valued as a customer. Great quality on artwork and packaging
Review of HOPE (126-250)

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