Ai Weiwei's 'Button Up!' at Aviva Studios receives lukewarm reception

Ai Weiwei's new exhibition 'Button Up!' at Aviva Studios in Manchester has been met with a curiously underwhelming response. The show, which opened recently, features the artist-activist's signature blend of political commentary and installation art. Critics have noted a lack of the provocative energy that defined his earlier works. The exhibition includes a series of button-themed pieces that explore themes of control and conformity, but reviewers suggest the execution falls short of expectations. Aviva Studios, a major new cultural venue in Manchester, hosts the exhibition as part of its inaugural programming. The show runs until early 2025.