How does Ai Weiwei use materials and objects in his art?
I engage with materials and objects that carry historical or social weight. For instance, reclaiming and reinterpreting ancient artifacts, like in 'Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn,' challenges our notions of value and preservation, and critiques the destruction of heritage. Using common materials, like porcelain or everyday tools, democratizes art and makes its message accessible. These objects become vehicles for critique, revealing the complexities of power, memory, and identity in contemporary society.