Renowned artist/activist Ai Weiwei has been named the numer one most powerful figure in the art world by Art Review Magazine, climbing from his number thirteen spot last year. Known for criticizing the Chinese government through his art, Ai Weiwei has created a number of famous pieces including the backpack snake, which is a reference to the children lost in the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake due to improper building codes. Weiwei has received prison time in China for his provocative artwork.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Art, News. Tags: ai weiwei, Art, art review, backpack snake, china, chinese government, usa