Aj Wej-wej wants to create a memorial for refugees in Lesbos

Athens - Chinese artist Ai Weiwei wants to create a monument on the Greek island of Lesbos to commemorate the fates of migrants arriving in Europe. The artist said this at a press conference in Athens today. He reportedly visited the island already and rented a studio there, and is now looking for sponsors to contribute to the creation of the monument.

"What I saw touched me as a person and as an artist," said Ai, who personally saw thousands of people arriving daily from Turkey on the eastern Greek island. "We are witnessing a historical event and I feel a duty to participate in it as an artist," he added.

As for the specific form of the monument, the artist reportedly has no idea yet, but he already knows that his students will also be involved in the creation of the piece. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year if sponsors can be found.

According to Ai Weiwei, the work should carry a message about how important it is to help people in need. He has already gained the support of the mayor of Lesbos, Spyros Galinos, for his idea.

The fifty-eight-year-old Ai Weiwei is probably the world's most famous contemporary Chinese artist, regularly exhibiting in the most prestigious galleries. Last year, he became a guest professor at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) and spends a lot of time in Europe. An outspoken critic of human rights violations in China, he will exhibit in Prague for the first time this year - in February, his work Zodiac will appear in front of the National Gallery at the Trade Fair Palace.