In a stirring conversation, renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei opens up about his recent trip back to China, the complexities of censorship, and the role of artificial intelligence in today’s society. Having spent over a decade in exile, Ai’s return to his homeland was marked by a poignant visit to his elderly mother, juxtaposed against a backdrop of his latest work, *On Censorship*, which critiques both authoritarian regimes and perceived liberal complacency.
A Homecoming After Years of Exile
Ai Weiwei, a figure synonymous with artistic resistance against the Chinese Communist Party, recently made the momentous decision to return to China after more than ten years away. The 68-year-old artist, whose activism has led to imprisonment and surveillance by the state, faced an emotional reckoning before his journey. This visit was not only a chance to reconnect with his mother but also a reflection on the scars of his past.
Before boarding the flight with his son, 17-year-old Lao, who had never met his grandmother, Ai recalled the harrowing words of his captors during his detention: “When you come out, your son won’t recognise you.” This haunting memory weighed heavily on him, yet Ai resolved to return, declaring, “I’m Chinese. I have a Chinese passport. I’m entitled to go back and see my mum. So I went back.”
The trip yielded a surprisingly positive experience for the artist, who described the sensations of familiar sights and sounds as akin to “a phone call suddenly reconnecting.” His reflections on the journey reveal an individual navigating the dichotomy of personal nostalgia and political tension, as he embraces the familiar warmth of his homeland while remaining acutely aware of its authoritarian grip.
Unveiling the Nature of Censorship
In his newly released book, *On Censorship*, Ai asserts that the nature of censorship extends beyond totalitarian states into the liberal democracies of the West. He defines censorship as “the exercise of power over intellectual space,” arguing that it serves as both a means of mental enslavement and a source of political corruption.
His experiences with censorship in the West have left him disillusioned. He recounts an incident involving the Royal Academy, where an exhibition he was slated to participate in was cancelled following a controversial tweet. Despite the Royal Academy’s assertion that the decision was made prior to his submission of a piece on free speech, Ai sees this as emblematic of a broader, more covert form of censorship that operates under the guise of political correctness.
“I feel the same kind of surveillance and censorship in the West,” Ai states, highlighting the insidious nature of societal control that often goes unnoticed. The artist’s reflections challenge the notion that freedom of expression is assured in liberal societies, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about their own environments.
Surprising Views on Western Politics
In a striking turn, Ai has also expressed a nuanced view on Western political figures, including the far-right leader Alice Weidel of Germany. His selfie with her, which raised eyebrows given her controversial political stance, illustrates Ai’s complex understanding of political discourse. “Some states don’t even accept one [immigrant], and Germany accepts 1.2 million, which is a pretty generous decision,” he argues, showcasing his belief in pragmatism over ideology, despite the discomfort it may provoke.
His reflections on Weidel’s positions hint at a broader critique of the West’s political landscape, which he believes has lost its ethical compass. “The West is struggling to sustain its own logic,” he asserts, suggesting that the regime he once vehemently opposed is undergoing its own transformation, one that he views with a mix of caution and intrigue.
The Fragility of Freedom in 2026
As Ai contemplates the state of the world in 2026, he paints a grim picture of a society increasingly fragile in its commitment to freedom of expression. “Life is more like a shattered mirror,” he reflects, “it reflects the reality, but the reality can be a broken reality.”
His recent trip to China, while filled with personal significance, has not rekindled a faith in humanity. Instead, Ai remains acutely aware of the ongoing struggle for genuine self-expression in an increasingly monitored world. The artist’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal freedom and societal constraints, urging us all to remain vigilant in the defence of our rights.
Why it Matters
Ai Weiwei’s insights into the dynamics of censorship, both in China and the West, prompt critical reflection on the fragility of freedom in our contemporary landscape. His experiences challenge the assumption that open societies are immune to the pressures of censorship, urging a collective reassessment of our values and responsibilities in safeguarding free expression. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and societal shifts, Ai’s voice serves as a crucial beacon, reminding us of the ongoing fight for truth and artistic integrity in an increasingly complex world.
