Ai Weiwei Named Art World's Most Powerful Member

A visitor looks at an installation, entitled Moon Chest, by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei during the preview of an exhibition, entitled Art and Architecture, at the Kunsthaus Bregenz, in Bregenz, Austria. EPA/BGNES

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who was released in June after being detained for more than 80 days by Chinese authorities, has been named the most powerful person in the art world, according to a poll compiled by ArtReview magazine.

The magazine said he was chosen by the panel because of his political activism, as much as his artwork.

In a statement, ArtReview magazine said: "[His] activities have allowed artists to move away from the idea that they work within a privileged zone limited by the walls of a gallery or museum."

"It's expanding the possibilities of what you can do with art, and as an artist how you can use your voice," it added.

But Ai told the BBC he does "not feel powerful at all".

China criticised the selection saying it was based on "political bias".

Ai, one of China's best-known artists, rose to international prominence as co-designer of Beijing's "Bird's Nest" Olympic Stadium.

In 2010, he created a carpet of 100 million porcelain sunflower seeds for Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in London.

The artist's arrest in April, as he boarded a flight in Beijing bound for Hong Kong, prompted a global campaign for his release.

Chinese authorities said Ai was detained on charges of tax fraud, but his family have always insisted it was for his political activities.

Under the conditions of his release, he is not allowed to be interviewed by journalists or use the internet.

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