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AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org. Im Amy Goodman, with Juan Gonzlez.

We turn now to the acclaimed Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. In November, he had an exhibit in London canceled after he wrote a social media post where he criticized the United States for its longtime financial support of Israel. Ai Weiwei has previously expressed support for Palestinians. He made a 2016 documentary, that includes Gaza in the global refugee crisis, called Human Flow.

Ai Weiwei is one of the worlds most acclaimed artists. In 2011, he was arrested at the Beijing airport, held for 81 days without charge. Hes been living in exile since 2015. Hes joining us here in New York City ahead of his event tonight at Town Hall thats part of PEN Americas PEN Out Loud series, when hell discuss his new graphic memoir, Zodiac.

Ai Weiwei, welcome back to Democracy Now! Lets start with that canceled London exhibit. What happened?

AI WEIWEI: Well, after I post, you know, a single line on Twitter, I never noticed people really become so sensitive or so crazy about my posts. Basically, post described the situation about the Israelis relations with U.S., and which is very, very you know, its very subjective. Its not from my point of view, but its really general facts.

So, then, you know, the galleries actually, not one gallery, but galleries in Paris and in London they got very worried. And I still dont know exactly the reason why they have to worry about an artists single line, you know, but, rather, they said they want to avoid this kind of argument, and theyre trying to protect my interest, so they postponed my shows not one, but altogether four shows.

So, I guess that proved what Im saying on Twitter is correct, because there is all over the world, you know, this strong censorship about different voices towards these kind of conflicts, and the conflict continues getting so massive and also seems its not going to stop. So, by doing that, yes, many of my shows have been canceled, so

JUAN GONZLEZ: Were you surprised by the reaction, given that youve been not only are you one of the most celebrated artists from China in the West, but also youve been a vocal supporter of the Palestinians for years?

AI WEIWEI: I am surprised. I think we are should live in a more free society and which carry a lot of different opinions and voice. But to have this kind of devastating case in dealing with the art community, not only art community, but also films or literature, I think it shows a really very bad and a backwards in terms of freedom of expression, human rights and, you know, all those issues.

AMY GOODMAN: You know, there are not many Chinese artists as celebrated and embraced by the West as you are, Ai Weiwei. Were you surprised by the swift retaliation against your position, which is really critiquing the West, in London, Britain and the U.S., when it comes to supporting the Israeli government, when it comes to the assault on Gaza?

AI WEIWEI: I think maybe I was celebrated for the wrong reason. But still, as the artist, I have to fight for the human dignity and also basic human rights, freedom of speech. And thats why Im here, so

AMY GOODMAN: Can I ask about your graphic novel, Ai Weiwei? Talk about Zodiac and the message youre conveying in this graphic memoir.

AI WEIWEI: Well, thanks for asking that. I came to New York to be part of this graphic novel how do you say? the promotion. And the novel take us about two, three years, with two other persons involved. And so, we made the drawing and the storyline, and, you know, its very I think its pretty unique and also charming in telling my personal stories in relating to Chinese classic stories, but also in relating to current events both in China and in the West. So, its very detailed and, you know, very visual narratives about the stories.

AMY GOODMAN: Ai Weiwei, your message to the world right now? You are a dissident when it comes to China. You cannot live inside China. Youre in exile. And now, when you come and are embraced by the West, you find yourself canceled again and again. Your thoughts?

AI WEIWEI: Well, I think we are living in a very crucial time globally. We have to rethink about our values or what we are really defending for. Its not only a challenge for individual artists, but also for the states. And we are gradually losing the ground of democracy or personal freedom, or even we are still facing crisis economic crisis, immigration crisis. Also, we are possibly at the edge of the World War III. You know, this is not an exaggeration. It can happen. And Im afraid this is the facts. But that would calling for every individual to defend the humanity and human rights.

AMY GOODMAN: I want to thank you so much for being with us, Ai Weiwei, world-renowned Chinese artist and activist, has a new graphic memoir called Zodiac. Hell be speaking tonight at Town Hall in New York.

Next up, its primary day in New Hampshire. As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley square off in the Republican race, well speak to a Democratic presidential candidate, Marianne Williamson, about her campaign against President Biden. Her name is on todays ballot in New Hampshire, though Bidens is not. Back in 20 seconds.

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Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei on Israel, Gaza & Censorship - Democracy Now!