"'Everything is art. Everything is politics.' The internationally renowned contemporary artist Ai Weiwei thus sums up the concepts underlying his work. It is also the leitmotif of his largest exhibition to date in Europe. With texts and images, this catalog demonstrates the close interweaving of political commitment and artistic work in the œuvre of this important, controversial artist who lends form to the contradictions of our present times. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai Weiwei is celebrated worldwide as an artist, architect, curator, film director, and photographer. The Conceptual and Pop art he countered in New York in the 1980s became crucial influences on his working method, which critically examins cultural history and global social developments"--Publisher's description, English edition.