The sunflower seed is a complex symbol of Chinese culture. During Ai Weiwei’s childhood, sunflower seeds were often the only things saving families from starvation during famines. At the same ...

The seizing of Ai Weiwei at Beijing airport by Chinese police on 3 April 2011 must count as the most famous arrest of any artist ever. While the ostensible charge was tax evasion, Ai’s ...

16.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 in. (41.9 x 41.9 x 41.9 cm.) London, Tate, The Unilever Series: Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds, exh. cat., 2010-2011, p. 63, no. 47 (another unique ...