Instagram an online photo sharing social network that allows its users to take pictures, apply filters (effects), and then share them on other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. On Instagram, you follow people so their pictures show up in your newsfeed. You can also like and comment on pictures. However, you cannot share a picture on Instagram unless you maually save the picture and post it yourself. This is available as an app on smartphones. It is extremely convenient which is why artists like Ai Weiwei use it.
After having his blog taken down and Twitter being banned in China, Ai uses Instagram to post pictures of his everyday life or of his art. Since Instagram lets you add a caption to each picture and add a tag to it, it is easy for Ai to briefly describe what is going on in the picture. This is one of the best ways for him to say in touch with his fans without breaking the laws in China. Instagram enables Ai to give sneak peaks at his up and coming art exhibitions and current projects. The convenience of Instagram allows Ai to document not only the progress of his art, but also the life of his beloved son and cat. Most importantly, though, it allows him to document his current freedom and the truth behind what the Chinese government is doing when it comes to the rights of people living in China. Right now, Instagram is the only way for Ai to continuously have contact with his fans and fellow Chinese citizen. Having Instagram in the palm of his hand at all times, Ai can quickly post something in protest of the Chinese government for his tens of thousands of followers to see and go back to throughout the day. He also uses Instagram to announce any upcoming events, like his current exhibition at the Indianapolis Museum of Art which I was lucky enough to attend the opening of. |