Why Ai Weiwei made 10,000 face masks

The initiative came about from Ai Weiwei’s frustration over news stories about face masks being stolen when en route to their destination, including reports of the US allegedly receiving masks meant for Germany.

“A face mask weighs only three grams but it carries so much state argument about global safety and who has it and who doesn’t have it.” — Ai Weiwei.

The art masks, which feature iconic motifs of Ai Weiwei’s work, are currently being sold on eBay for US$50 each, US$300 for a batch of four and US$1,500 for a batch of 20.