Ai Weiwei

Middle Finger in Black

€900

Artwork

Edition of 100

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

Middle Finger in Black belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

A radial composition references the obscene gesture – a raised middle finger – which defines Ai’s seminal series, Study of Perspective. Begun in 1995, the series asserts the importance of our collective freedom to form, hold and express individual beliefs. For the artist, the power of a simple gesture like this is that anyone can make it. The edition is printed on a silkscreen press and finished with an intricate layer of white gold leaf, applied by hand to dazzling effect.

In a new juncture for Study of Perspective, we’ve also collaborated with Ai to make his middle finger available to all – inviting any and everyone to share their own perspective on power. Add yours to the archive now.

Then, go behind the scenes at Make-Ready in London as Ai reflects on the profundities of printmaking and its lineage within his practice.

Go deeper

06:12

Behind the scenes

Ai Weiwei

27 collaborations

Ai 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.’

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

Love my print and the safe packaging provided by Avant Arte. Thank you!
Review of Menippean Satire
awesome experience all around, kudos to you all!
Review of Sierra
Love, love, love this piece of amazing work...from the craftmanship, brilliance of the colors, to the title it is fire! My new fave...among many other favorites! The treatment my framer gave it is delicious and aww inspiring...thanks Avant Arte!
Review of In Search For Light
Overall very good communication the work itself is great quality!
Review of Portrait and Head
We are incredibly impressed with the quality of our print and the level of professionalism of Avant Arte.
Review of Actual Size
Avant arte staffs are lovely. They always kindly help when I have problem or question.
Review of City Fountain
Overall, a very satisfying and educational experience! I greatly appreciate the various updates during the production and shipping processes. Thank you very much.
Review of Actual Size
this is a. very good way to make great artisrs’ work affordable. well done
Review of Women Without Men #2, 2009

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Claudia ComteMorphing Waves with Fire Corals€1,350

Available

Linda DouniaFaux Letters€1,700

Draw

Urs FischerProblem Painting€1,250

Closing on 25 June

Draw

Hank Willis Thomas“Success is no accident.”€600

Closing on 30 June