Bird

From ancient times to the present, birds have been considered both symbols and forecasters of events. This bird’s form might seem familiar since it derives from the icon for the online news and social networking service Twitter. Social media platforms— particularly Instagram, Twitter, and its Chinese equivalent, Weixin—have played a central role in artist Ai Weiwei’s ongoing efforts to draw attention to the grave socio-political injustices that surround us. (See https://twitter.com/aiww.) In addition to Twitter, Weiwei references the custom, style, and materials of traditional Chinese kites.