Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist known for his criticism of the Chinese government's stance on democracy and human rights. Born on August 28, 1957, in Beijing, China, Ai grew up in a politically volatile environment; his father, Ai Qing, was a well-known poet who was denounced during the Anti-Rightist Movement. Ai Weiwei's work spans various mediums, including sculpture, installation, architecture, filmmaking, and photography. He's particularly famous for his role in designing the "Bird's Nest" Olympic stadium in Beijing, although he later became a vocal critic of the Chinese government's policies. His art often serves as a platform for his social commentary and has addressed themes such as freedom of speech, the plight of refugees, and government corruption. Ai's activism has led to his arrest and detention by Chinese authorities, including a widely publicized 81-day detention in 2011 on charges of economic crimes. He was also held under house arrest and had his passport confiscated for several years. Despite the controversy and challenges he has faced, Ai Weiwei continues to be a prominent figure in the global art scene, using his work to advocate for human rights and bring attention to social injustices. He currently lives and works in both Berlin, Germany and Cambridge, UK, maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms where he engages with a wide audience on various issues of contemporary significance.