- Description
Description
Does provocative art need an authority against which to react? How does art feed memorials? How do art pieces age?
On 21 April the legendary Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist Ai Weiwei will be at the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College to discuss this and more with Fellow Jeremy Baumberg.
Ai Weiwei will discuss the relationship between authority and art, visibility in the arts, and artistic process and time, in a wide-ranging conversation.
Join us for what promises to be a fascinating insight into Ai Weiwei’s experiences, values and work.
In person and online.
About the speaker
Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist. He grew up in the far northwest of China, where he lived under harsh conditions due to his father’s exile.
As an activist, he has been openly critical of the Chinese Government’s stance on democracy and human rights. In 2011, Ai Weiwei was arrested at Beijing Capital International Airport on 3 April, for “economic crimes”, and was detained for 81 days without charge. He emerged as one of the nation’s most vocal political commentators and creators, and makes use of Chinese art forms to display Chinese political and social issues.
After being allowed to leave China in 2015, he has lived in Berlin, Germany; Cambridge, UK; and Portugal. Among many other accolades, he received Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award in 2015 for showing exceptional leadership in the fight for human rights through his life and work.
What COVID-19 measures do you currently have in place?
We ask that you do not attend if you have any of the main COVID-19 symptoms, flu, or anything that could be transmitted by your attendance. We encourage you to take a lateral flow test before coming to the event.
How do I get to West Court, Jesus College?
The entry to West Court is directly on Jesus Lane next to Wesley House (Postcode CB5 8BJ), near to the intersection with Park Street. Please DO NOT ENTER through the main entrance via Porters’ Lodge, known as “the Chimney”. Our what3words address is tree.heat.bravo
What transport options do I have?
There is no on-site car parking at Jesus College for those attending our events unless they hold a Blue Badge. Having said that, the Blue Badge parking on site is a long and cobbled walk through the College away from West Court. Closer Blue Badge parking can be found on Park Street outside the bicycle shop. There is limited on-street parking outside the College on Jesus Lane.
***Please note that Park Street car park is closed for redevelopment***.
There are multiple Park and Ride options to the city centre, which drop you a short walk away from the College.
Regular train services run to Cambridge from London’s Kings Cross Station, London Liverpool Street, London St Pancras, and many other mainline UK stations. The College is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) from the railway station. Buses run about every 10 minutes and there is a taxi rank outside the station and one here in the city centre for your return.
What can I bring with me?
There are coat hooks around West Court, but there are no storage or coat minding facilities and we cannot take any responsibility for items left unattended. Bikes can be securely locked outside the ADC theatre. Mobile phones are allowed but must be silenced or placed on airline mode during the event. Flash photography is prohibited.
We do ventilate our event spaces as much as possible, so sometimes they can get a little chilly – we recommend bringing layers of clothing.
What if I have access requirements?
West Court is access-friendly and there are hearing loops. Please let us know about any access requirements in advance of any event via if-events@jesus.cam.ac.uk.
You can find information on how we manage your data at https://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/college/about-us/data-protection.
