1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

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In his anticipated memoir, Ai Weiwei, a renowned artist and activist, narrates a century-long epic of China through his extraordinary life and the legacy of his father, Ai Qing, the nation's celebrated poet. Recognized as a pivotal figure in contemporary art, Ai Weiwei crafts a sweeping narrative that intertwines his personal journey with a remarkable history of China over the last century, shedding light on his artistic process. His father, once an intimate of Mao Zedong, faced persecution during the Cultural Revolution, leading to the family's exile in a harsh region known as "Little Siberia," where Ai Qing endured hard labor. Ai Weiwei reflects on his childhood in exile and the challenging choice to leave his family for art studies in America, where he formed friendships with figures like Allen Ginsberg and drew inspiration from Andy Warhol. With humor and honesty, he recounts his return to China, his rise to prominence as an artist and human rights advocate, and the influence of living under a totalitarian regime on his work. His sculptures and installations have reached millions, and his architectural contributions include the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing. His activism has made him a target of the Chinese government, culminating in months of secret detention in 2011. This memoir explores the roots of his creativity and political beliefs, offering insights into the forces that have shaped modern China and highlig