Rising to prominence in the west in the late 80s, the 52-year-old has become an outspoken critic against censorship, and corruption within the ruling Communist Party. While not a household name for his art, hundreds of thousands of young fans read his blog and follow his social commentary. World Map is far from being Ai’s most contentious exhibits, but he says it is important nonetheless. Ai Weiwei, contemporary artist saying "I will consider it's a small show, not so special, but the works have never been seen in China and young people really wanted to see it."