Despite his international success as an artist (see Sunflower Seeds), the demolition of Ai Weiwei’s studio by the Chinese government serves as a chilling reminder that there is still a dark side to the Middle Kingdom. Although the arts complex, which can be seen in his upcoming Never Sorry documentary, was cited for not having the proper building permits and is being torn down, it has been suggested this was actually done as a warning to the outspoken dissident and artist. Ironically, it was the mayor and government in that area that invited Ai Weiwei to build there in the first place as part of their plans to develop a cultural center.
Via Designboom thru Slamxhype.
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