Ai Weiwei presents textile art at Contextile Biennial in Guimarães

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei is the featured guest for the 8th edition of Contextile, the Contemporary Textile Art Biennial, held in Guimarães, Portugal. Under the theme ‘By a Thread’, the event includes exhibitions, artistic residencies, performances, and workshops running until November 29.

The exhibition ‘Fabrication’ at the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães (CIAJG) showcases works addressing climate change, natural disasters, pollution, and social crises such as war and the refugee movement. Notable pieces include over 400 backpacks and approximately 200 life jackets or military uniforms repurposed into bedding.

In a collaborative effort with the Guimarães-based textile company Lameirinho, Weiwei utilized recycled yarn made from destroyed military uniforms, including those from Ukraine. These materials were transformed into fabrics, including textiles featuring the artist’s iconic middle finger symbol.