1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows

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In this highly anticipated memoir, Ai Weiwei, a renowned artist and activist, narrates a century-long saga of China through his extraordinary life and his father Ai Qing's legacy, the nation's celebrated poet. Recognized as "the most important artist working today" by the Financial Times and "an eloquent and unsilenceable voice of freedom" by The New York Times, Ai Weiwei provides a sweeping account of China's history over the past 100 years while revealing his artistic journey. His father, once close to Mao Zedong, faced persecution during the Cultural Revolution, leading to the family's exile in a harsh area known as "Little Siberia," where Ai Qing endured hard labor. Ai Weiwei reflects on his childhood in exile and his pivotal decision to study art in America, where he connected with figures like Allen Ginsberg and drew inspiration from Andy Warhol. With humor and honesty, he chronicles his return to China, his emergence as a prominent artist and human rights advocate, and the impact of living under a totalitarian regime. His globally viewed sculptures and installations, along with his role in designing the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium, showcase his talent. His political activism made him a target for Chinese authorities, leading to months of secret detention in 2011. This memoir delves into the roots of his creativity and political convictions, offering profound insights into the forces shaping modern China and underscoring