“Everything is art. Everything is politics.” Globally renowned conceptual artist Ai Weiwei is celebrated as a disruptor of artistic canons and a champion of free expression. In his work—ranging performance, photography, sculpture, and installation—he connects issues of history, power, and culture. Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei marks the artist’s first US retrospective in over a decade and his largest-ever exhibition in the US. It explores over 100 works created across four decades, from the 1980s to the 2020s, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with his wide-ranging body of work. Iconic works from his career are on view, including Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn (1995), Study of Perspective (1995-2011), several examples from his Han Dynasty Urn with Coca Cola Logo series, Sunflower Seeds (2010), and Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads (Gold) (2010).

For the first time in its 90-year history, SAM is presenting the work of one artist at all three of its locations at the same time. In addition to the major retrospective at the downtown location, SAM will present at the Seattle Asian Art Museum Ai Weiwei: Water Lilies #2 (March 12 2025–March 15, 2026), a large-scale reinterpretation in LEGOs of Claude Monet’s beloved painting series. At the Olympic Sculpture Park, SAM presents Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads (Bronze) (May 2025–May, 2027), a monumental circle of 12 monumental bronze sculptures. Be challenged, inspired, and awed by Ai Weiwei’s work in different contexts across the city.