AI Weiwei Gives the Middle Finger in New Circular Print (2025)

Ai Weiwei has never been fond of the authorities, emblematic of his Study of Perspective (1995-2011) series, in which the Chinese dissident artist photographed himself giving the bird to iconic monuments and established power structures. Reuniting with London studio Avant Arte, Weiwei distills his choice symbol into a new print edition featuring a medley of middle fingers.

Available in a blue and black option, the circular artworks are each handmade using a carved wooden block loaded with black ink, introducing unique variations in texture to the surface of the artwork. Created in collaboration with fellow British printer Make-Ready, the compositions emit a lustrous finish that hark to Weiwei’s porcelain sculptures, which are also inspired by ancient Chinese ceramics from the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

Each variation of Circle in Black is limited to an edition of 100, measuring 23.6 x 23.6 inches (unframed) and 26.3 x 26.3 inches (framed). The single color woodblock print is produced on 225gsm Liber Charta White Smooth paper and comes signed and numbered with a certificate of authenticity by the artist. For collectors looking to purchase, please visit Avant Arte to enter the drawing, which closes on Tuesday, December 10 at 9am ET.