An exclusive video message was played at a special press conference yesterday,  in which Chinese artist Ai Weiwei explained the fruitless efforts he had gone through to have his passport returned to him. This message was recorded for yesterday’s presentation, which was organised by the “Friends of Ai Weiwei” and can be viewed here:

Longstanding China expert and gallerist Alexander Ochs recently travelled to Ai Weiwei’s home in Beijing accompanied by renowned attorney Professor Peter Raue. For more than two days, Ai Weiwei’s legal documents were combed through. Their findings were presented yesterday and a summary of the Professor Raue’s analysis can also be read here.

The director of Berlin’s Academy of Arts, Professor Klaus Staeck spoke at the press conference as well and issued a public invitation to the Academy’s upcoming general assembly to the Chinese artist, who is an honored member.

Alexander Ochs, Professor Raue and the other “Friends of Ai Weiwei” hope to influence the status quo by bringing facts of the artist’s legal situation under general attention. Since yesterday, the story has been covered all over the national media. Who knows, Ai Weiwei may be able to attend his Berlin exhibition after all. It will be his largest show to date.

We all hope to see him on the 2^nd of April 2nd for the opening of EVIDENCE at Martin-Gropius-Bau.