Description
TAXI WINDOW CRANK
2012
Glass Set of 4
4 × 12 × 3cm
Guide Price: £10,000-£15,000
Ai Weiwei is one of the most significant and recognised artists working today. Known around the world for his powerful art and activism, Ai does not differentiate between disciplines: his practice glides across art, architecture, design, film, collecting and curating. In an attempt to prevent passengers from throwing incendiary pamphlets out the windows of taxis while passing Tiananmen Square during the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Beijing government ordered all window cranks to be removed from taxis. This work demonstrates the absurdity of implementing restrictions on a person's physical presence for the benefit of those in power in a digital, social media-driven age.
Please note if you are interested in bidding on this piece, please email Samuel Morton: [email protected] or call +44 (0) 207 697 7808
Terms and Conditions: Please note all works will be available for collection from Wednesday 8 November 2023 at Freedom from Torture offices, 111 Isledon Road, London N7 7JW. The artwork will be safely stored, free of charge until Friday 15 December 2023. Alternatively, Freedom from Torture can help organise national and international delivery of artworks through a third party, to the winner. The winning bidder will be responsible for all delivery costs and will be invoiced directly by the third party.
©Ai Weiwei Studio; Courtesy Lisson Gallery