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Ai Weiwei: Making Sense

Minutes after receiving last week’s Keeping Tabs with Tabish, I booked tickets for myself and my Dad to see Ai Weiwei: Making Sense. The following day we were exploring this multilevelled exhibition at 

The Design Museum in London. 

I hadn’t heard of Ai Weiwei before, my Dad’s eyes let up when I suggested we go to the exhibition. So I had a feeling it would be a good one.


Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist and activist. Known for his provocative and politically charged work, as well as his outspoken criticism of the Chinese government's human rights record and censorship policies.

He uses a variety of mediums to communicate sentiments and ideas that really we should all be talking about. Often taking every day objects to a deeper level of meaning requiring an open mind for interpretation.

Many of Ai Weiwei’s pieces are aesthetically pleasing. Drawing you in with vibrance and motifs you feel need to take a closer look at. Leaving you with a need to know more. What does it mean? Why has he done that? The true meanings of his pieces can often catch you completely off guard.

It feels strange to say, when the context of such pieces are taken into consideration, but these are a couple of my favourites; 

Study of Perspective

I know, as a travel creator this possibly seems like a strange one for me to like. But as an activist, I very much share Weiwei’s sentiment. I also adore the concept and curation of this series. There has been many an occasion where I have performed a similar gesture, usually around the other side of the Houses of Parliament mind. 

Water Lilies #1

You all know I’m a bit of a fan of LEGO. Seeing this huge piece, made entirely of LEGO Studs on the wall of The Design Museum was jaw dropping. 650,000 pieces were used. Weiwei’s interpretation of Monet’s Water Lilies, like all of his pieces, packs a veiled punch.

As you gaze over the piece your eyes are drawn to a dark haze. A section of the piece that does not exist in the Monet original. This is an addition that comes from Ai Weiwei himself. A piece of his childhood beautifully, tragically depicted in a medium that usually means fun for us all.

I love the many layers of this piece, the juxtapositions Weiwei presents us with. Although, I will admit I was initially drawn to it because of my love of LEGO. Now I understand it goes a lot deeper.

This isn’t the first of Weiwei’s LEGO builds. Famously he used LEGO to depict 176 prisoners of war. An amazing project that I would have loved to have seen myself.

I do hope my review has inspired you to visit this show stopper vs conversation starter of an exhibition.


Looking to visit yourself?

Head over to The Design Museum's Website.

Tickets start at: £16.50 (£18.50 inc donation)

The Design Museum do offer concession tickets and include a carer's ticket.


The exhibition runs till 30th July 2023

Been to see the exhibition? Let me know your thoughts in the comments here. 

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