This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2013/sep/06/ai-weiwei-jackie-chan-criticism

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Strangers in Hong Kong? Ai Weiwei's Jackie Chan rebuttal more than bluster Strangers in Hong Kong? Ai Weiwei's Jackie Chan rebuttal more than bluster
(12 days later)
Artist Ai Weiwei has used many means to dramatise the political responsibilies of artists, from flipping his finger at authority to sowing Tate Modern with fake sunflower seeds. Now, though, he is making it personal with a public attack on Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan.Artist Ai Weiwei has used many means to dramatise the political responsibilies of artists, from flipping his finger at authority to sowing Tate Modern with fake sunflower seeds. Now, though, he is making it personal with a public attack on Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan.
In a recent interview, Chan – famous for his courageous stunts and comic action movies – was asked repeatedly about Ai, whose conflicts with the government of China and provocative artworks have made him a global celebrity. Chan insisted he had no idea who Ai is, claiming not to recognise the name.In a recent interview, Chan – famous for his courageous stunts and comic action movies – was asked repeatedly about Ai, whose conflicts with the government of China and provocative artworks have made him a global celebrity. Chan insisted he had no idea who Ai is, claiming not to recognise the name.
The pugnacious artist is not taking that insult lightly. Publicising an exhibition opening in Ontario on the Canadian radio programme Q this week, he said Chan deliberately belittled him as a critic of China's political system. Ai dismissed the notion that Chan hasn't heard of him: "He knows me very well," he told listeners. "He's very much a pro-government actor. And he's acted so extremely on the side of authority."The pugnacious artist is not taking that insult lightly. Publicising an exhibition opening in Ontario on the Canadian radio programme Q this week, he said Chan deliberately belittled him as a critic of China's political system. Ai dismissed the notion that Chan hasn't heard of him: "He knows me very well," he told listeners. "He's very much a pro-government actor. And he's acted so extremely on the side of authority."
On the face of it, Ai might seem to be protesting too much. After all, it is just possible a popular film actor might not be totally up to date with the contemporary art scene. Yet a quick check on Chan's political statements reveals a troubling basis for the accusation that Chan is a proponent of authoritarian views.On the face of it, Ai might seem to be protesting too much. After all, it is just possible a popular film actor might not be totally up to date with the contemporary art scene. Yet a quick check on Chan's political statements reveals a troubling basis for the accusation that Chan is a proponent of authoritarian views.
The actor has called for a crackdown on protest in Hong Kong and publically questioned the value of freedom, arguing that people need to be controlled. While Ai speaks up for freedom, Chan has on occasion spoken out against it – although "speaking out" against liberty is arguably a contradiction in terms, and Chan's controversial statements are in their way as individualistic as Ai's art.The actor has called for a crackdown on protest in Hong Kong and publically questioned the value of freedom, arguing that people need to be controlled. While Ai speaks up for freedom, Chan has on occasion spoken out against it – although "speaking out" against liberty is arguably a contradiction in terms, and Chan's controversial statements are in their way as individualistic as Ai's art.
But the actor's readiness to sing China's tune is a reminder of how lonely and courageous Ai's stand really is. Ai's fame (if not with Chan) may make it seem he has won a big battle; in reality, he's one man fighting an enormous enemy.But the actor's readiness to sing China's tune is a reminder of how lonely and courageous Ai's stand really is. Ai's fame (if not with Chan) may make it seem he has won a big battle; in reality, he's one man fighting an enormous enemy.
The tendency to condone China's regime has grown with its economy, and often takes the form of complacent relativism. From governments seeking lucrative deals to museums borrowing art, plenty of people have found plenty of reasons to ignore Ai's insistence on the universality of human rights.The tendency to condone China's regime has grown with its economy, and often takes the form of complacent relativism. From governments seeking lucrative deals to museums borrowing art, plenty of people have found plenty of reasons to ignore Ai's insistence on the universality of human rights.
So his fight goes on. In his Ontario exhibition, on tour from the US, he protests with art of considerable power. Chan should take a trip to see it.So his fight goes on. In his Ontario exhibition, on tour from the US, he protests with art of considerable power. Chan should take a trip to see it.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.