Ai Weiwei: "We are losing privacy and without it we stop being individuals"

Ai Weiwei, the renowned Chinese artist, speaks passionately about the erosion of privacy in modern society and its profound implications for individuality. In his latest book, "Ai Weiwei on Censorship," the 69-year-old artist expresses his deep concern that the lack of privacy is transforming people into "perfect products," devoid of their unique identities. Held at Brussels' Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Ai Weiwei's remarks were met with a large and attentive audience, eager to hear his thoughts on the matter.

As an individual whose work has consistently challenged and critiqued oppressive power structures, Ai Weiwei is acutely aware of the threat posed by artificial intelligence and Western democracies. The artist believes that without privacy, people lose their ability to think and express themselves freely, and thus, cease to be individuals.

He emphasizes that each person is unique and possesses the power to challenge unjust realities, a sentiment echoed by Belgian cultural manager Chris Dercon, who delivers a stark reminder that the society in which we live is not as free as it may seem.

A master of symbolism, Ai Weiwei's artistic works often explore the delicate balance between individuality and conformity, mass and unity. One such example is his installation "Sunflower Seeds" (2010), in which millions of handmade ceramic seeds were arranged to create a striking visual contrast between individuality and homogeneity.

Another powerful piece, "Remembering" (2009), featured 9,000 backpacks made from the material used in school backpacks belonging to the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, all arranged to spell out a poignant message from one of the victims' mothers.

Ai Weiwei's activism has not gone unnoticed by those in power. He recounts several instances where his outspoken nature led to police intervention and personal attacks, including a memorable encounter where he stuck up his middle finger at a camera as a defiant proclamation against the Chinese government. In response to a question about the size of his artworks, Ai Weiwei reflects on the relative insignificance of his creations in comparison to the suffering of others around the world, underscoring the futility of focusing on his own accomplishments.

In the midst of a conversation that is at once personal and political, Ai Weiwei refuses to be confined by labels or boundaries. He asserts that his identity, like the human condition itself, is fluid and ever-changing, shaped by the very experiences that fuel his artistic pursuits. As Brussels welcomes the artist with a retrospective exhibition, Ai Weiwei's unwavering commitment to the cause of human rights and artistic expression remains a guiding force in his work.