For his significant 2019 exhibition, "Everything is Art. Everything is Politics." at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Ai Weiwei unveiled a new photographic self-portrait that directly confronts the viewer. This piece clearly references Joseph Beuys' iconic 1971 poster, La Rivoluzione Siamo Noi (We Are the Revolution), serving as both a homage to a kindred spirit and a stark highlight of the differing political consciousnesses of their eras.

Beuys's slogan stemmed from a deep conviction in art's power to ignite revolutionary change. In contrast, Ai Weiwei's accompanying question, "Where's the revolution?", carries an almost ironic tone, shaped by the political pragmatism of an activist who endured persecution during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. However, this nuance doesn't diminish the image's inherent optimism. The portrait captures a man in search, on a journey—a theme Ai Weiwei consistently explores throughout his diverse body of work. The life-size proportions of the piece amplify his confident stride toward the viewer, creating a powerful effect as if he's poised to dynamically step out of the frame. This confrontational stance also serves as an invitation, subtly encouraging the viewer to join him on the path toward a revolution.