This limited edition print created for Kettle's Yard by Ai Weiwei with his son Ai Lao. The print depicts two cats belonging to Ai Weiwei and Ai Lao named Maple and Birch.
Drawing has been fundamental to Ai Weiwei's artistic practice from an early age. He also has a longstanding love of cats, and they appear frequently in the artist's social media posts. Many cats used to roam his studio in Beijing.
"I like cats very much because of their independent character, alertness and understanding of human beings; I have feelings approximating to reverence for them. Cats have been regarded as psychic animals since ancient times, no matter in China or ancient Greece. What's even more interesting is that if a selfie of mine would be seen by 100 people, a cat photo would be seen by 1000 people. I believe that everyone can share this happiness" Ai Weiwei
Available for purchase exclusively from Kettle's Yard, the print has been editioned by master printer, Kip Gresham at The Print Studio, Cambridge. For a behind-the-scenes look at the print making process visit the Kettle's Yard blog.
Edition: 150
Numbered and dated
Signed in pencil by Ai Weiwei
Screen print on Saunders Waterford paper, hot pressed, natural, 300gsm
Paper size 28cm x 32.8cm
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