Study of Perspective: Tiananmen Square by Ai Weiwei

Study of Perspective - Tiananmen Square (1995) is a gelatin silver print of 38.9 x 59 centimeters by Chinese contemporary artist and political activist Ai Weiwei. It is part of a photographic series in which viewers can see Ai’s left arm foreshortened with his middle finger raised toward significant, international landmarks. Initially, this piece appears to be a grayscale, tourist snapshot with Ai displaying the offensive gesture at a distant building, which is obscured by fog, but aside from its evocation of caustic humor, this photograph belies a powerful protestation of rebellion against authority.

By raising his middle finger, Ai expresses his opinions regarding democratic principles, empowerment of the people, and freedom of speech. The gesture is the focal point of the photo because of how much closer to the viewer’s eye it is than what is behind it – this focuses more on the message Ai is trying to convey. The middle finger is significant because it is more offensive and universal, making his message more compelling. The monument in the background is the Tiananmen Square Gate, which was once the site of a brutal massacre in 1989, where state soldiers brutally shot peaceful protesters. Because of their surreptitious nature, the Chinese government ignored and censored all accounts relating to this tragedy. They did this because they wanted to prohibit discussion on the pro-democracy protest and to erase the incident from Chinese history.

However, Ai brings his rejection of authority to light with this photograph, the first in the Study of Perspective series. He urges viewers to challenge their implicit compliance and adherence toward establishment, institutions, authority, and governments. Ultimately, this disobedience has garnered attention and support to a multitude of social issues, making Ai’s pursuit eminently effective.