Ai Weiwei created Cats (Black) together with his son Ai Lao. The two depicted cats, named Maple and Birch, belong to Ai Weiwei and Ai Lao.

I like cats very much because of their independent character, alertness and understanding of human beings; I have feelings approximating to reverence for them. Cats have been regarded as psychic animals since ancient times, no matter in China or ancient Greece. What’s even more interesting is that if a selfie of mine would be seen by 100 people, a cat photo would be seen by 1000 people. I believe that everyone can share this happiness – Ai Weiwei

An artist, thinker and activist, Chinese conceptual artist Ai Weiwei is famous for conceptual artworks that challenge authorities and question the status quo of contemporary society. Initially known for his observations and comments on the authoritarian system in his home country, Weiwei has shifted his focus to social changes and political developments in the Western world in recent years. Revolving around themes such as human rights, economic exploitation and environmental degradation, his work often blurs the line between art and social activism. Ai Weiwei is one of the leading cultural figures of his generation and serves as an example for free expression both in China and internationally. His oeuvre encompasses sculpture, photography, printmaking, film, performance and installation. In 2011, Weiwei was arrested and detained for “economic crimes” for 81 days by the Chinese government. After being allowed to leave his country in 2015, he has lived in Berlin (Germany), Cambridge (United Kingdom) and in Portugal. His work has appeared in major exhibitions at Kunsthaus Bregenz, the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), Tate Modern (London), São Paulo Bienal (2010), Haus der Kunst (Munich); Mori Art Museum (Tokyo) and Documenta XII (2007). Ai Weiwei was born in 1957 in Beijing.

Ai Weiwei, Cats (Black)