Artist Spotlight: Ai Weiwei

A self-taught architect better known for his art, Ai Weiwei’s practice began with the simple need to build his own studio and residence. He sees architecture as shelter and fundamental to human survival, with the ability to "transform people’s conditions of existence". His architectural studio has developed a restrained style that speaks powerfully to the fundamentals – form, structure, proportion and light.  His work is on exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts in London through mid-December.