Ai Weiwei Sends Empty Chair To Film Festival

Dissident artist Ai Weiwei has sent a defiant message to the Chinese authorities at the Stockholm Film Festival - but in spirit only.

The 56-year-old avant-garde artist, who is not allowed to leave China but is on the festival jury, was represented by an empty chair made by him and shipped from Beijing.

"I feel sorry I can't come. That's why I have designed and sent something symbolic," he said in a pre-recorded video message broadcast at a press conference.

"I hope it can give some kind of statement on the way authorities can limit freedom of speech, can limit basic human rights for artists to travel or participate in cultural activities - very ruthlessly and with no explanation."

"I'm still living under a kind of soft detention. My passport is still in the authorities' hands."

Ai's fellow festival jury members with his chair. Pic: Carla Orrego Veliz

His Ming Dynasty-style chair sat between the other jury members in front of a cinema screen bearing the burly artist's bearded and somewhat haggard image.

The chair had one quirky addition: a curved bar preventing anyone from sitting on it.

The festival has marked his absence with a protest outside China's embassy in Stockholm and by selling "Ai Weiwei - Wish You Were Here" T-shirts.

Ai, known as much for his human rights activism as his art, was detained for 81 days in 2011 during a roundup of activists, accused of massive tax fraud.

He was one of many government critics who were jailed, detained or disappeared into police custody in early 2011.

Since his release, he has been prevented from leaving the country.

Ai Weiwei's chair takes pride of place. Pic: Carla Orrego Veliz

In his video message he said film was a powerful way to communicate and expose corruption.

"In the Internet age especially documentary films have made a great appearance in talking about issues, discussing truths, and also revealing secrets about those in power ... especially when the power is not elected by the people."

Festival director Git Scheynius said Ai has the courage to stand up for "freedom" which is the theme of this year's festival in Stockholm.

"I think most people listening to him think 'wow, this is someone who is not afraid of anything' - his courage is just wonderful," she said, adding that she hoped it would make the Chinese authorities think.

The festival runs until November 17 but it is unclear whether Ai will be able to see the films he is due to judge.

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