The exiled Chinese artist spoke to Sky's Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips about the cancellation of his exhibition by a gallery in London.

He was responding to a question about the cancellation of his exhibition by the Lisson Gallery in London in November following comments on social media referencing the Israel-Hamas conflict.

His post, which was subsequently deleted, suggested the “sense of guilt around the persecution of the Jewish people” had been transferred and used against the Arab world.

Referring to his own family’s exile when he was one year old, the activist said: "I grew up within this heavy political censorship.

“I realise now, today in the West, you are doing exactly the same.”

He drew parallels with the disastrous purge under Mao, which took China to the brink of anarchy.

Criticising the suspension of two New York University professors for comments related to Gaza, Ai said: "This is really like a cultural revolution, which is really trying to destroy anybody who have different attitudes, not even a clear opinion.

Ai’s art often addresses political issues in China and he has frequently criticised Beijing’s record on human rights and democracy.

  • Hyperreality@kbin.social
    152·
    9 months ago

    I’ve had multiple run-ins with OP before.

    Obviously OP has plenty of nasty views (eg. thinks ‘’‘Zionists’‘’ control all western media), but is also incredibly ill informed (like thinking Sudan used to be a French colony) and almost certainly functionally illiterate(posts links to articles which say the exact opposite of what OP thinks they do). Also almost certainly upvotes their own comments with alts.

    The reason I think this, is because in the past, OP has mistakenly quoted something someone else has said as a reply to my comment, then failed entirely to grasp that they’re replying to a different comment even when I’ve said as much. These nonsensical comments still got upvotes, which makes no sense even if people are very partisan.

    The only reason I don’t think they’re a useful idiot, is because they’re so ill informed and obnoxious, that if anything they’re actually hurting the people they thinks they’re supporting. Then again, maybe I’m harsh and they’re just some dumb kid.

    I really should block them, because honestly arguing with them feels a bit unfair, even if it is funny. Also the whole arguing with pigeons and getting shit in your hair thing.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      113·
      9 months ago

      Well they don’t seem to know what ‘exactly the same’ means, so functionally illiterate is a good guess.