Ai Weiwei Criticizes China at Opening of Swiss Exhibit, Reports Reuters

By Stephanie Nebehay

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Ai Weiwei criticized China’s crackdown on lawyers and restrictions on free speech, expressing little optimism that the upcoming Communist Party Congress would result in increased freedoms.

The prominent Chinese dissident artist made his statements during the opening of an exhibition in Lausanne, showcasing some of his politically charged works that represent themes of repression.

"They do not accept what we refer to as common values like democracy, freedom of speech, religious freedom, an independent press, an impartial judiciary, or the right to vote," Ai remarked at a news conference.

He noted that although China has experienced significant economic growth and has become powerful, the government remains distrustful of its citizens. "After 60 or 70 years in power, they still do not trust their own people with the opportunity to vote," he said.

In reference to the five-yearly leadership transition of the ruling Communist Party scheduled to begin on October 18, Ai stated, "The party operates more like a family. Regardless of how many meetings take place, they are always closed to the public."

He emphasized the resulting lack of trust within society.

Human Rights Watch reported that China is intensifying its scrutiny of rights lawyers and law firms involved in politically sensitive cases.

Ai, who resides in Berlin but often returns to China, expressed concern over two of his friends, human rights lawyers who have been sentenced to five and ten years in prison. "The threat is real, but I have no fear for myself. I have endured a lot, and my work is not for my own benefit; it is for the generations before and after me," the 60-year-old explained.

The exhibition titled "It’s Always the Others" will be on display at the Cantonal Fine Arts Museum in Lausanne until January 28. It features 46 pieces created from materials like wood, jade, porcelain, bamboo, and silk, alongside photographs and videos.

Among the installations is "Dragon in Progress," a 50-meter-long kite crafted from bamboo and silk, suspended from the ceiling and reinterpreting a traditional symbol of Chinese imperial power. It incorporates quotes from imprisoned or exiled activists, including figures like Nelson Mandela and Edward Snowden.

Additionally, a marble sculpture named "Surveillance Camera with Plinth" portrays a camera positioned outside Ai’s Beijing studio.

"I’m a free man; I can come and go as I please. They have kept their promise not to interfere with me," he stated. However, he cautioned, "When a state is not governed by the rule of law, anything can happen at any time because the situation is unpredictable and you are not protected by law."