How his upbringing shaped his artistry.

As a child, celebrated Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was forced to live in a dugout in "Little Siberia" with his family. They were poor, his father was disgraced, but there was joy too. Here, the celebrated artist and activist Ai Weiwei reveals to David Shariatmadari how his childhood helped him understand how vulnerable humanity can be, his friendship with Allen Ginsberg, and what drives his restless creativity.

Michael Bott

The Guardian is the world's leading liberal voice providing independent analysis and investigative journalism on current topics like environment, art, and human rights.

Ai Weiwei: ‘It is so positive to be poor as a child. You understand how vulnerable our humanity can be’