Reviews

This graphic novel is a minor masterpiece that arrived just in time for the 2024 Lunar New Year. Through the lens of the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac, Weiwei weaves a compelling narrative that traverses the past, present, and future. From poignant anecdotes of his childhood spent in a Chinese labor camp to daring moments like flashing the middle finger in front of Trump Tower, this graphic memoir is a captivating exploration.

Beyond its surface, the novel serves as a subtle meditation on the essence and purpose of art. It delves into the value of truth and democracy, paying homage to artists who have unwaveringly clung to their vision—none more so than Weiwei’s own father.

Fathers and sons emerge as a recurring theme. Weiwei’s father, the esteemed poet Ai Qing, graces many chapters. Qing epitomizes the artist who endures suffering for the sake of his craft. Their conversations punctuate the novel, and it culminates with Qing’s passing. In a poignant scene, Weiwei’s son, Ai Loa, communicates with his grandfather from beyond the grave.

Throughout every chapter, the essence of art and the indomitable spirit of artists resonate. Different artists, mostly Chinese, are profiled. Weiwei’s family has weathered immense political oppression, meticulously documented within these pages. Despite the shadows cast by uncertainty, the struggle to express something honest about one’s time persists. Whether it’s Qing’s poetry or the poignant failure of Ordos 100, the legacy endures—a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression.

vkealy's review

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challenging hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

therealcubcake's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Another change of pace from my usual readings, a graphic memoir. "Zodiac" by Ai Weiwei with Elettra Stamboulis and featuring the fantastic imagery and illustrations of Gianluca Constantini

This was done quite beautifully with the illustrations and almost poetical tie-in with the Chinese Zodiac in the way its related in story of Weiweis life. Frustrating and unnerving as it was, you know, those times when you read or see what happens to other people and you have a whole array of emotions...

I remember seeing Weiweis Circle of Animals/Zodiac heads at the Cleveland Museum of Art and spending on several occasions a very lengthy amount of time admiring them. A rather fun coincidence that I was able to view those and then to read in this memoir what a vital role it all plays in his life story and to see these sculptures as images throughout the book.

I'm not extremely versed in Weiweis life, this makes me want to read more about him, but Im recommending this one for a glimpse into it.

katrin_loves_books's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective

3.5

paisleygreen's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

"We do not cooperate with anyone, anything. This is a challenge to all the powers, authorities, and the system. It is small yet not to be ignored, like a nail in the eye, a thorn in the flesh, a little grain of sand in the shoe—it reflects a valuable cultural spirit." - Ai Weiwei, interview for Art World Magazine

Zodiac is a graphic memoir by one of our greatest contemporary artists, Ai Weiwei, whose political art and anti-oppression activism has often stirred up what the late John Lewis called "good trouble". The art, by Gianluca Costantini, is evocative, and the book is organized into 12 chapters that reflect the Chinese zodiac signs; the stories within each chapter evoke some aspect of that animal. It's a great introduction to Ai's biography, from growing up in Mao's China, to discovering art as a tool of self-expression and activism, to being detained for his art. I think anyone who's familiar with Ai Weiwei's work, or who hasn't heard of it yet, would enjoy this book.

I had two wishes for this book: 1) that Ai Weiwei would contribute to the art of the memoir in some way. Costantini did a great job of bringing Ai's life and art to the page, but Ai Weiwei is an artist, and I wish he brought some of his own talents to this graphic memoir format. 2) That this memoir went into more depth about Ai Weiwei's emotions. It's a great manifesto for the power and purpose of art in contemporary society, but as a memoir, I wished he'd had deeper introspection on parts of his life that informed his art.

Overall, though, I very much enjoyed this graphic memoir. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Any artist who isn't an activist is a dead artist. I try to create works with honesty and that bear relationship to my life, to reflect the place and time in which I live. I hope that when future generations see my work, they will understand my struggle as an artist. I hope that they will be conscious of artists' efforts to protect freedom of speech and expression." - p. 165

smallbob's review against another edition

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

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