Ai Weiwei world's most powerful artist
Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who hit the headlines during his 81-day detention by Chinese authorities, was yesterday named as the world's most powerful art figure by influential magazine Art Review.
Ai, who was released in June after being imprisoned for "economic crimes", tops the London-based publication's annual "power 100 list" ahead of Hans-Ulrich Obrist and Julia Peyton-Jones, curators of London's Serpentine Gallery.
But Ai, who was released in June after being detained for more than 80 days by Chinese authorities, told the BBC he does "not feel powerful at all".
The magazine said he was chosen by the panel because of his political activism, as much as his artwork.
China criticised the selection saying it was based on "political bias".
In a statement, ArtReview magazine said: "[His] activities have allowed artists to move away from the idea that they work within a privileged zone limited by the walls of a gallery or museum."
"It's expanding the possibilities of what you can do with art, and as an artist how you can use your voice," it added.
Police accused Ai of tax evasion and the government eventually freed him due to his "good attitude" in admitting to the charges against him, his willingness to repay taxes he owes and on medical grounds. He has diabetes.
Ai, one of China's best-known artists, rose to international prominence as co-designer of Beijing's "Bird's Nest" Olympic Stadium.
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