25 Ai Weiwei-Inspired Creations

Artist and designer Ai Weiwei has caused people to pay attention to politics around the world as he is thought-provoking and one of the most influential artists of our time. Ai Weiwei has inspired commodities and has influenced people to change their frame of mind and to create beautiful yet sometimes taunting works of art.

Ai Weiwei is the son of Chinese artist and poet Ai Qing and grew up in northwestern China. At age 25 he went to New York City and started associating himself with the Manhattan art scene. Weiwei dabbles in photography, sculptures, poetry and architecture. He collaborated with Herzog & de Meuron for the "Bird's Nest" stadium during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and continues to inspire architects around the world.

Although he is not allowed to travel outside of China until after a trial -- which has been in hearing for more than three years -- his work continues to invoke emotion and controversy amongst artist and the masses both in China and overseas.