Ai Weiwei was released by the Chinese government just 3 days after I initiated this project. Although he is not yet truly 'free', we join with the global community in celebration of this release.
Important to remember is that three of his associates are still being held and there are restrictions on Weiwei's 'freedom'.

Detained on April 3rd 2011 by the Chinese authorities, released on bail on June 22nd 2011, Ai Weiwei is still today banned from leaving the country.
Let us continue to be outspoken for the release of these associates and Ai's unconditional freedom.

I will continue to call for and post mail art here.

"Undoubtedly, Ai’s star talent, his family history and global support from the artistic community helped a lot." - Jerome A. Cohen

25 June 2011

Associates of Ai Weiwei who had been subjected to enforced disappearance along with the Chinese artist since April have been released, according to media reports today.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that restrictions on Ai Weiwei are in place for one year whilst he remains “under investigation”.

The Chinese authorities did not formally arrest, charge or indict Ai Weiwei with any crime. They only announced that he had "confessed" to alleged economic crimes.

“As Ai Weiwei has not been charged with any offence, we are concerned that the restrictions imposed on him are arbitrary. They violate his rights to freedom of expression, association and movement and should be lifted,” said Catherine Baber.
--Amnesty International

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY

I noticed that you recently posted about Ai Weiwei on your blog. I'm currently working with IFC to help spread the word about this film, and thought I would share with you the details of our #RaiseYourFinger campaign.

We are launching a digital protest campaign called #RaiseYourFinger, pulling inspiraiton from Weiwei's famous photograph from the "Fuck Off" exhibition. We have created an infographic prompting users to submit photos of themselves raising their middle fingers to various "injustices" within society. All photos submitted through this campagin will be added to a large photo mosaic, which will be sent to Ai Weiwei personally as a gift upon his June 22 release. Please take a look at the campaign, attached (Facebook link below) and help us spread the word!

#RaiseYourFinger campaign launch (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/awwneversorry/app_268090223299100

Best,

Hayley Smith

Thursday, February 23, 2012

FLUX-USA / NEW NEW ART: Wei Wei in France-Paris

FLUX-USA / NEW NEW ART: Wei Wei in France-Paris: Christine Tarantino Hello! Here, a special issue of the journal excerpts Liberation February 21. It is specially annotated by Wei Wei, th...

FLUX-USA / NEW NEW ART: Wei Wei in France-Paris

FLUX-USA / NEW NEW ART: Wei Wei in France-Paris: Christine Tarantino Hello! Here, a special issue of the journal excerpts Liberation February 21. It is specially annotated by Wei Wei, th...