(Kate Tsurkan’s article appeared in the Kiev Independent, 9/17/25; Photo: Ai Weiwei, Chinese contemporary artist, documentarian, and activist, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 14, 2025. (Olena Zashko / The Kyiv Independent)
Amid the shadow of war, the world-renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has brought his first-ever exhibition to Kyiv. Commissioned by the non-profit platform RIBBON International, Ai’s installation is a site-specific response to the escalating wars threatening the world of today, and a testament to the possibilities of art in such times.
Traveling beyond the Ukrainian capital, to the eastern city of Kharkiv and even the front lines, Ai has sought not only to witness the resilience of the Ukrainian people but to understand their struggle, their courage, and their everyday humanity.
“I came here not just to hold an exhibition, but to understand what is happening and how the Ukrainian people have managed to fight this brutal war,” Ai told the Kyiv Independent.
In this interview, conducted on the morning of the opening of his exhibition, the artist shares reflections on the role of art in times of conflict, the moral responsibilities of creators, and the enduring hope that people hold onto even in the darkest moments.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Kyiv Independent: What brought you here to Ukraine at such a critical moment in the war? And what inspired you to have your first exhibition here?
Ai Weiwei: First, I saw that Russia invaded Ukraine, and the (full-scale) war has already lasted for over three years. And, of course, as an artist, I’m deeply concerned with the humanity and struggle of the Ukrainian people. I came here not just to hold an exhibition, but to understand what is happening and how the Ukrainian people have managed to fight this brutal war. Being here inspired me to decide to create the exhibition, as a way to express my solidarity with the people and, hopefully, contribute in some small way to the pursuit of peace for this country.
The Kyiv Independent: You traveled not just to Kyiv, but to Kharkiv, as well as visited soldiers near the front line. Is there any particular moment, any particular interaction that stood out for you the most?
Ai Weiwei: Yes, I really wanted to go to the front. I wanted to be next to the soldiers who are doing the fighting in defending this nation. And they are ordinary people, and they are not (only) young soldiers like in many, many countries, but also old soldiers or experienced professionals. You know, one soldier just showed me his cats. He loves cats, and I love cats.
So, we had a great moment, not just to talk about the war, but to talk about his family, his wife, how he loves his wife. This is always very touching.
The Kyiv Independent: As an artist who is also a political activist, what role do you see art playing in a full-scale war, when the main priority is survival?
Ai Weiwei: When we talk about survival, it’s not just physical — it’s also mental and psychological. So many people use art as a healing process to make them calm down, to stay focused, and to do something and seek comfort beyond living through this scary life.
