Happy birthday! Ai Weiwei turns 69 today

Ai Weiwei is celebrating his 69th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation.

Popular artist-activist-architect Ai Weiwei has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 69th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Ai, a cultural icon

Born in Beijing on May 28, 1957, Ai Weiwei's career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Chinese history. Ai's not just a great artist, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Weiwei hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Ai Weiwei as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 69.

Happy Birthday, Weiwei, you're the best!

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