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In the News

‘Ai Weiwei: According to What?’ at the Hirshhorn

The survey of the Chinese dissident artist’s work, which opens Oct. 7, is the first in North America.

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Chinese artist Ai Weiwei poses for a photo inside his compound in Beijing. Weiwei, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Chinese government, was arrested in 2011 and held for nearly three months on charges of tax evasion. Chinese authorities still have his passport, preventing him from traveling to Washington for the opening of his new show at the Hirshhorn.

ED JONES / AFP/Getty Images

A collage of inkjet prints entitled, 'Beijing's 2008 Olympic Stadium' (2005-08), along with 'Divinia Proportione' (2006), left, and 'F Size' (2011), center, are part of the exhibit. Weiwei was an artistic consultant for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

A collage of inkjet prints entitled, "Beijing's 2008 Olympic Stadium" (2005-08), along with "Divinia Proportione" (2006), left, and "F Size" (2011), center, are part of the exhibit. Weiwei was an artistic consultant for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

A portion of 'Forever' (2003), made of bicycles, is on display in the Hirshhorn’s lobby.

A portion of "Forever" (2003), made of bicycles, is on display in the Hirshhorn’s lobby.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Marble Helmet” (2010).

"Marble Helmet” (2010).

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

A portion of 'He Xie' (2010), which is made up of 3,200 porcelain crabs.

A portion of "He Xie" (2010), which is made up of 3,200 porcelain crabs.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Kippe' (2006) is made of wood from dismantled temples of the Qing Dynsasty, 1644-1911.

"Kippe" (2006) is made of wood from dismantled temples of the Qing Dynsasty, 1644-1911.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Grapes' (2012) is comprised of stools from the Qing Dynasty.

"Grapes" (2012) is comprised of stools from the Qing Dynasty.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

A portion of 'Bowls of Pearls' (2006), which is made of freshwater pearls.

A portion of "Bowls of Pearls" (2006), which is made of freshwater pearls.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Straight' (2008-2012).

"Straight" (2008-2012).

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Coca-Cola Vase' (2007) is painted on Qing Dynasty pottery. It demonstrates Weiwei’s irreverence for history.

"Coca-Cola Vase" (2007) is painted on Qing Dynasty pottery. It demonstrates Weiwei’s irreverence for history.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Colored Vases' (2007-10), bottom, and 'Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn' (1995/2009), top, are among Weiwei’s more controversial works. He destroyed real artifacts to create these works.

"Colored Vases" (2007-10), bottom, and "Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn" (1995/2009), top, are among Weiwei’s more controversial works. He destroyed real artifacts to create these works.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

A portion of 'Teahouse' (2011), which is made of compressed tea leaves.

A portion of "Teahouse" (2011), which is made of compressed tea leaves.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

'Cube in Ebony' (2009), bottom, 'Bowls of Pearls' (2006), left, 'Colored Vases' (2007-10), right center, and 'Moon Chest' (2008), top right, on display at the Hirshhorn Museum.

"Cube in Ebony" (2009), bottom, "Bowls of Pearls" (2006), left, "Colored Vases" (2007-10), right center, and "Moon Chest" (2008), top right, on display at the Hirshhorn Museum.

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

This photograph captures the view seen through seven chests that make up the work, 'Moon Chest' (2008).

This photograph captures the view seen through seven chests that make up the work, "Moon Chest" (2008).

Matt McClain / For The Washington Post

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei pulls up his shirt bearing a portrait of himself as he chats with journalists at the courtyard of his studio before his verdict hearing in Beijing on July 20, 2012.

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei pulls up his shirt bearing a portrait of himself as he chats with journalists at the courtyard of his studio before his verdict hearing in Beijing on July 20, 2012.

Petar Kujundzic / Reuters

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