1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: Two lives, one nation and a century of art under tyranny in China

Ai Weiwei's memoir combines his own life story with that of his father, Ai Qing, to tell the epic tale of China over the last 100 years. From exile to art-world superstar, he reveals how his work has been shaped by living under a totalitarian regime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Ai Weiwei, one of the world's most renowned artists and activists, weaves a captivating century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own life and that of his father, Ai Qing. This remarkable narrative spans from the tumultuous era of the Cultural Revolution to the present-day Chinese Communist Party.

Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai Weiwei's childhood was marked by a sense of exile after his father, a celebrated poet, fell foul of the authorities. He spent his formative years in desolate exile, but his journey took an unexpected turn when he moved to America as a young man. There, he pursued his artistic dreams and emerged as an art-world superstar. However, his return to China in the late 1990s marked a pivotal moment in his life.

As a renowned artist and international rights activist, Ai Weiwei's work has been deeply influenced by his experiences living under a totalitarian regime. His art reflects the complexities of Chinese society, challenging the government's censorship and surveillance. His activism has also brought attention to human rights abuses and political corruption in China.

Through his father's story, Ai Weiwei explores the themes of resilience, creativity, and belief. He shares the struggles his father faced as a poet and the sacrifices he made to pursue his artistic dreams. The film also delves into the complex relationship between father and son, highlighting their shared passion for art and their determination to overcome adversity.

Ai Weiwei's film is a majestic and exquisitely serious masterpiece that offers a profound understanding of China. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and shed light on the human experience. The film has received critical acclaim worldwide, with critics praising its intimate and unflinching portrayal of the Chinese landscape.

In conclusion, Ai Weiwei's film "A Family Story and the Tale of a Nation" is a remarkable story that spans generations and explores the complexities of Chinese history. Through the lens of his own life and that of his father, Ai Weiwei weaves an epic tale of resilience, creativity, and belief, offering a profound understanding of China and its people. This film is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and shed light on the human experience.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784701499