Sculptor, performer, photographer, architect, curator and blogger, he is known internationally for his provocative and political art. He is an opposition figure to the Chinese government and an emblem of freedom of expression in China, openly criticizing the Chinese government’s position on democracy and human rights. Ai was among the first generation of students to study abroad following China’s reform in 1980, and lived in the United States from 1981 to 1993, attending the Arts Students League of New York, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley.

Tang Contemporary Art was established in 1997 in Bangkok, later establishing galleries in Beijing and most recently Hong Kong. Tang Contemporary Art is fully committed to producing critical projects and exhibitions to promote Contemporary Chinese art regionally and worldwide, and encourage a dynamic exchange between Chinese artists and those abroad. Acting as one of the most progressive and critically driven exhibition spaces in China, the gallery strives to initiate dialogue between artists, curators, collectors and institutions working both locally and internationally. A roster of groundbreaking exhibitions has earned Tang Contemporary Art internationally renowned recognition, establishing its status as a pioneer of the contemporary art scene in Asia. Tang Contemporary Art represents leading figures in Chinese art including Ai Weiwei, Huang Yong Ping, Shen Yuan, Wang Du, Liu Xiaodong, Yang Jiechang, Xia Xiaowan, Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, Yan Lei, Wang Yin, Guo Wei, Ling Jian, Chen Wenbo, Zheng Guogu, Michael Lin, Lin Yilin, Zhuang Hui, He An, Zhao Zhao, Wang Yuyang, Weng Fen, Yang Yong, Xu Hualing, Xu Qu, Xu Xiaoguo, Ji Zhou and Cai Lei, additionally collaborating with international artists such as Rirkrit Tiravanija, Navin Rawanchaikul, Sakarin Krue-on and Preeyachanok Ketsuwan.