Ai Weiwei

Middle Finger in Black

€900

Artwork

Edition of 100

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

Middle Finger in Black belongs to a trio of artworks by Ai Weiwei which combine innovative printing methods with pillars of freedom upheld throughout his practice.

A radial composition references the obscene gesture – a raised middle finger – which defines Ai’s seminal series, Study of Perspective. Begun in 1995, the series asserts the importance of our collective freedom to form, hold and express individual beliefs. For the artist, the power of a simple gesture like this is that anyone can make it. The edition is printed on a silkscreen press and finished with an intricate layer of white gold leaf, applied by hand to dazzling effect.

In a new juncture for Study of Perspective, we’ve also collaborated with Ai to make his middle finger available to all – inviting any and everyone to share their own perspective on power. Add yours to the archive now.

Then, go behind the scenes at Make-Ready in London as Ai reflects on the profundities of printmaking and its lineage within his practice.

Go deeper

06:12

Behind the scenes

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei27 collaborationsAi Weiwei is unafraid to speak truth to power. He’s one of the most famous living artists today – a testament to the breadth and vision of his practice. Effortlessly, he moves between different media, from sculpture and architecture to performance and documentary film. His work is often monumental in scale and is driven by a hunger for truth and justice. In 2008, for example, Ai spent many months collecting the names of over 5000 children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake. This unflinching dedication to human rights saw him detained by the Chinese government for 81 days in 2011, accused of ‘subverting the state.’

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
great packaging, and the print is great!
Review of Guardian
The packaging was great. Thank you for including the gloves.
Review of Actual Size
Love my print and the safe packaging provided by Avant Arte. Thank you!
Review of Menippean Satire
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
I’m really happy to add this piece to my collection. It’s always a pleasure working with you — thank you for making everything so smooth. Looking forward to hearing about more great works!
Review of Untitled
i have been very pleased with my wonderful art work! communication and packaging was suberb. highly recommend
Review of Guardian
Overall very good communication the work itself is great quality!
Review of Portrait and Head

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Shigeki MatsuyamaPortrait of dazzle #150-P€800

Available

Sayre GomezAmerica's Tire€2,000

Draw

James JeanBlossom Kannyu€350Closing in 00d 00h 00m

Draw

Zeng FanzhiEphemerality (13)€2,500Closing on 26 August