I didn’t know what to expect from this graphic novel. I’m a huge fan of the artist and was extremely lucky to see his expo made for Marseille, so I was really excited. I was expecting it to read like a memoir, but it feels more like stepping into a contemplative journey through time, art, and personal struggle. This graphic novel, far from being a conventional memoir, is an intricate tapestry that weaves together Ai Weiwei’s reflections on life, art, and freedom through the mythical lens of the Chinese zodiac.

Blurb

In this beautifully illustrated and deeply philosophical graphic memoir, legendary artist Ai Weiwei explores the connection between artistic expression and intellectual freedom through the lens of the Chinese zodiac.

As a child living in exile during the Cultural Revolution, Ai Weiwei often found himself with nothing to read but government-approved comic books. Although they were restricted by the confines of political propaganda, Ai Weiwei was struck by the artists’ ability to express their thoughts on art and humanity through graphic storytelling. Now, decades later, Ai Weiwei and Italian comic artist Gianluca Costantini present Zodiac , Ai Weiwei’s first graphic memoir.

Inspired by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei masterfully interweaves ancient Chinese folklore with stories of his life, family, and career. The narrative shifts back and forth through the years—at once in the past, present, and future—mirroring memory and our relationship to time. As readers delve deeper into the beautifully illustrated pages of Zodiac , they will find not only a personal history of Ai Weiwei and an examination of the sociopolitical climate in which he makes his art, but a philosophical exploration of what it means to find oneself through art and freedom of expression.

Contemplative and political, Zodiac will inspire readers to return again and again to Ai Weiwei’s musings on the relationship between art, time, and our shared humanity.

My Thoughts

From the outset, Zodiac captivates with its unique narrative structure. The story unfolds not linearly but as a series of vignettes, blending Ai Weiwei’s past experiences with Chinese zodiac mythology, cultural tales, and intimate conversations with family and friends. These elements come together to paint a broader picture of the Cultural Revolution’s impact and the relentless spirit of those who dare to challenge it.

Each page of this memoir is a testament to the enduring power of art and expression. While the narrative takes readers through various periods of Ai Weiwei’s life, it also delves into the philosophical, exploring the artist’s and his contemporaries’ motivations, struggles, and triumphs. The art, while simple in its black-and-white presentation, is intentionally styled to focus the reader’s attention on the narrative’s depth and complexity. While I personally hoped for more intricate visuals, the starkness of the illustrations serves to amplify the memoir’s thematic weight, compelling readers to engage more profoundly with the text and its underlying ideas.

Zodiac is not just a book but an experience, one that demands revisiting. Its layered narrative and philosophical underpinnings offer new insights with each reading. Although it can be consumed quickly (I read it in an hour), the true value lies in its lingering effect, inviting readers to ponder and reflect long after the last page is turned.

In sum, this book is a compelling blend of art, history, and philosophy, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential contemporary artists. It’s a work that challenges, enlightens, and inspires, much like Ai Weiwei himself.

Recommended for those who appreciate graphic novels with a deep, introspective edge and anyone interested in the intersections between art, society, and personal narrative.

Expected publication January 30, 2024 by Ten Speed Graphic