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.