Ai Weiwei: ‘In the art world, everyone talks about money. It’s poisonous; you’re only worth as much as your work’

Feb 15, 2025 - 05:00
Ai Weiwei: ‘In the art world, everyone talks about money. It’s poisonous; you’re only worth as much as your work’
Ai Weiwei poses next to one of the cacti on his property in Alentejo, a region of Portugal.

Don’t try asking Ai Weiwei about his net worth. The 67-year-old is one of the most sought-after artists in the world, but he doesn’t know how much he has in his bank account. Nor does he care.

Seguir leyendo“I act as a loudspeaker for thousands of people who aren’t given a voice,” the Chinese artist says. Ai Weiwei poses for EL PAÍS in his studio, which is currently under construction. It’s a replica of the one that was demolished by the Chinese authorities in Shanghai, back in 2011.“The Portuguese live at a different pace, much slower. I can see this with the workers I’ve hired to build my new studio,” he says wryly. The Chinese artist walks with one of his Portuguese mastiffs.