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“Zodiac” by Ai Weiwei (2024) – NCTA Online Book Club (PROGRAM FULL)

Many know Ai Weiwei as China’s most controversial and perhaps most dangerous artist. Perhaps you have walked around or under or on one of his installations. Or maybe you have watched one or more of his documentaries. Perhaps you joined us two years ago when we gathered to discuss his first memoir, 1000 Years of Solitude.

Educators joined Tese Wintz Neighbor to discuss Ai Weiwei’s new graphic memoir titled Zodiac. His beautifully illustrated memoir is philosophical, political, contemplative, and inspirational. 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.”

Participants discussed this quick-to-read, long-to-ponder graphic memoir. For more information about this book, you can read the New York Times Book Review, or watch the PBS 18-minute interview with the author.

Date and Time

Participants had the option to join as part of Group 1, or as part of Group 2:

Group 1: Tuesday, April 2, 2024; 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Pacific Time)

Group 2: Wednesday, April 3, 2024; 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Pacific Time)

This book club was held over Zoom.

Program benefits

  • A free copy of the book.
  • Online Resource packet.
  • 4 free WA OSPI Clock Hours.

Online Resources

You can download the online resources for this program at this link.

This program was sponsored by the East Asia Resource Center at the University of Washington and funded by a Freeman Foundation grant in support of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).