Weiwei-isms

Intelligent ruminations from China's most notorious radical artist

In his fight for freedom of expression, Ai Weiwei’s words are his ammunition. And fortunately, the controversial Chinese artist wields intellectual commentary with the voracity of a machine gun. For those who share his sentiments about the synonymity of art and activism, the new book “Weiwei-isms” is like having a nuclear arsenal of critical thinking right in your back pocket. For Weiwei, “Everything is art. …

Essays on Reality

London-based Swiss director Greg Barth premieres his latest work

There’s a good chance you have come across Greg Barth’s work recently. In the past two years, the Swiss multi-disciplinary art and video director has gotten noticed among enlightened circles, as well as the general public, for his clearly identifiable aesthetic combined with audacious choices of content. After graduating from University of Art and Design of Lausanne (ECAL), Barth moved from Geneva to Montreal where …

Studio Visit: Shantell Martin

Wide awake within the illustrated walls of an English artist's Brooklyn abode

“All it cost me were pens and time,” says Shantell Martin of her Brooklyn home and studio. From the baseboards to the ceiling, the space crawls with a hand-drawn mural of Martin’s own design. The artist explains that she rents from a couple who support Martin’s scribbling habit so long as it is contained to the top floor. The walls aren’t alone—scanning the space shows …