15 Reasons We're Thankful for Ai Weiwei

To celebrate his new show at Alcatraz, here are some of the reasons we're thankful to have Ai Weiwei in our lives.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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While Ai Weiwei might not be on the Chinese government's list of favorite people, he has certainly won the hearts of many around the world. Just check the Chinese dissident artist's Twitter following for proof. On any given day, Ai Weiwei fans are constantly tweeting up a storm of #FlowersForFreedom images to show their support for the artist, who remains bound to his native country.

After being arrested and imprisoned for 81 days under questionable charges in 2011, Ai still has yet to receive his passport back from the Chinese government and is unable to leave China to see his works on display in other countries. Nonetheless, his supporters still have not given up on the cause to get his confiscated passport back and for free speech in general. On Sept. 27, the highly anticipated "@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz" exhibition will open to the public. To celebrate this colossal exhibition and our love for the contemporary artist, here's a list of 15 Reasons We're Thankful for Ai Weiwei

He shares our love of cats (and cat photos).

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He takes #shamelessselfies, and they're hilarious.

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Seriously. He takes selfies even when he's getting arrested.

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He's not afraid take a stand against the government and big establishments.

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He started this hilarious Internet meme.

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He was a blogging pioneer (before the Chinese government shut down his blog).

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He seems like an awesome dad.

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He'll probably cut your hair.

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He's confident even when he's botched his own hair.

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This music video.

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Even if he's not allowed to leave China, he still engages with his fans.

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He makes art against corrupt authority and police brutality.

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His art, however provocative, also makes people more aware of the issues happening in China.

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He loves his fans.

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Despite everything he's been through, he still hasn't lost his sense of humor.

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