Ai Weiwei's 'Button Up!' at Aviva Studios: A Monumental Critique of Colonialism and War

Ai Weiwei's exhibition 'Button Up!' at Aviva Studios in Manchester presents a staggering critique of colonial history, warfare, and the migrant crisis. The show features monumental sculptures, including a black glass chandelier made of skeletons titled 'The Human Comedy' and a wall covered with images of the most powerful bombs ever invented. Flags of long-lost nations hang from the ceiling, and bronzes looted by dead empires have been recast and reclaimed. The exhibition also includes dilapidated ancient ruins rebuilt, buttons by the tonne, and richly perfumed tea. The Chinese artist's work is described as most effective at enormous scale, serving as a warning against historical exploitation and greed.