Purple Diary

[June 22 2011]

Ai Weiwei Released

According to reports, the artist and activist Ai Weiwei was released earlier today after admitting guilt over tax evasion and agreeing to pay the alleged amount. Since his disappearance in early April many from the art community, including Anish Kapoor and Daniel Buren, boycotted their planned exhibitions in China in a show of disappointment over the artist’s treatment. Supporters believe Ai Weiwei’s outspoken criticism of his government, particularly on issues of human rights and free speech, made him a target for unjust surveillance and detainment. Prior to his arrest, the artist used the social media outlet twitter to keep an informal tally of Chinese intellectuals, activists, and lawyers who disappeared or were questioned by authorities. To many, the artist’s three month ordeal reflects the depraved civil liberties situation in China and prompts debate on internet censorship. Text Juliana Balestin

Purple Art

“Whale Tail,” an exhibition by Jo Messer at The Ranch, Montauk, New York

Purple Fashion

Saint Laurent Men’s SS 2023 by Anthony Vaccarello, at Agafay, Morocco

Purple Night

The US Launch Of Kenzo By Nigo at The New Museum’s Sky Room, New York City

Purple Travel

“Early summer of NARA,” by Chikashi Suzuki

Purple Television

“Dysfunctional Bauhaus,” Celine Homme SS23 collection by Hedi Slimane at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris by

Purple Magazine

William Eggleston

© Purple Institute

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