Ai Weiwei sits at the computer in his studio in Beijing in 2010. The artist considers China's policies regarding the internet extend beyond the realm of domestic politics.
Keystone
Ai poses with seeds from his art installation "Sunflower Seeds" at the Tate Modern gallery in London, October 2010.
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Ai holding a handful of his porcelain sunflower seeds.
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A Chinese police officer, right, and a security guard stand outside the entrance to Ai's studio in Beijing on April 3, 2011. Ai was prevented from taking a flight to Hong Kong on the same day, and police later raided his studio, his assistant said.
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Ai, facing protestors, jumps into the air during a protest in Beijing against a controversial internet filtering programme called "Green Dam", July 2009.
Reuters
The installation "Template" after it collapsed due to heavy rainfall at the documenta 12 art fair in Kassel, Germany, in 2007.
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A supporter of the artist holds a picture of him outside his studio to protest its demolition in November 2010.
Reuters
Ai poses for photographers during an interview in Changsha, Hunan province, February 25, 2011.
AFP
Ai welcomes compatriots serving as live exhibits at the documenta 12 art fair in Kassel, June 2007.
Reuters
Ai poses between 100 tree trunks and a custom-made wool carpet, imitating the very tile floor it is covering at the Haus der Kunst in Munich in September 2009.
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"Field" by Ai is shown at the international art show, Art 41 Basel, June 2010.
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A policeman looks on as Ai is surrounded by the media outside the courthouse during the trial of leading Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo on subversion charges, December 2009.
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A general view of the Italian pavilion "De Meuron and Ai Weiwei" at the 11th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, September 2008.
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Ai stands amid Chinese people playing cards, part of his installation "Fairytale" at the documenta 12 art fair in Kassel, June 2007.
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The artist and philosopher is also strongly critical of Chinese society.
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Ai is perhaps best known for his collaboration as the artistic consultant with Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron on the Beijing Olympic stadium. Alongside his artistic activities, he has been investigating corruption and cover-ups in government.
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