Surveillance and Creativity: The Impact of Oppression on Artistic Expression

In 2011, influential Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei was secretly detained by Chinese authorities.

While in detention, he thought often about his father – who had also been punished by the Chinese government – and how incomplete his understanding of his father was.

Ai spoke to Ailsa Chang about his new book, which explores his time in detention, his relationship with his father, and his attempt to avoid a similar disconnect with his own son.

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