Art on the Edge in China

Over the weekend, contemporary art in China made two headlines.

Forever Lasting Love, Zhang Ziaogang

First, a 1988 painting by Zhang Ziaogang set a new record at Sotheby's by selling for $10,180,000.00.  The painting is entitled Forever Lasting Love. 

Second, Ai Weiwei, China's most famous contemporary artist, has been detained by Chinese authorities at the Beijing airport. Because of his public criticism of China for continued violations of human rights, Ai Weiwei has frequently been the target of government crackdowns. Ai Weiwei is best known for his work in helping design the Bird's Nest stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  This past year, his 100,000,000 sunflower seeds have been on display at the Tate Modern in London.

UPDATE ON Ai Weiwei: Despite the fact that China has not acknowledged detaining artist Ai Weiwei, France and Germany have called for his release.

Ai Weiwei at the Tate Modern.