Almost three months after his arrest in April, world-renowned artist and social activist Ai Weiwei was released Wednesday on bail from prison in China. Ai was arrested on charges of tax evasion during a crackdown on human rights activists, and has not commented on the government or his arrest since yesterday. He is perhaps best known for his design of the “Bird’s Nest” stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Asia Society Museum in New York works closely with Ai Weiwei. The museum will soon host more than 200 of the artist’s photographs from his time in New York in the 1980s. Here with us to talk about Ai’s work and imprisonment is Melissa Chiu, director of the Asia Society Museum.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.