Takes: Ai Weiwei on the Selfie is an Amazon Addon show that delves into the cultural phenomenon of the selfie, and its impact on societal norms and values. The show is a collaboration between renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, and award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Haines.
The show comprises of six episodes, each exploring various facets of the selfie culture. The episodes are not presented in chronological order, but rather, they jump between different locations and themes. The creators explain that this approach was deliberate, as it reinforces the notion that the selfie is so ubiquitous that it's hard to pinpoint where it all started.
The first episode introduces us to Ai Weiwei, who serves as both the show's host and subject. We're given a glimpse into his life and work, and how the ubiquitous nature of the selfie has impacted his own career as an artist.
In the following episode, we're taken to Africa, where we learn about the ways in which the selfie has added to the cultural fabric of the continent. We hear from locals about how taking selfies has become a way of expressing pride in their heritage, and a way of sharing their culture with the rest of the world.
The third episode explores the darker side of the selfie, particularly in the context of humanitarian crises. We're taken to refugee camps in Syria and Greece, where we see the ways in which the selfie has been used to draw attention to the plight of refugees, but also how it can contribute to a sense of voyeurism and exploitation.
The fourth episode is perhaps the most personal, as it delves into the psychology behind the selfie. We hear from psychologists and experts who explain why we're so drawn to taking pictures of ourselves, and the impact that it has on our sense of self-worth.
In the fifth episode, we're taken to China, where we learn about the government's surveillance tactics, and how the selfie has made it all the more difficult for citizens to maintain any sense of privacy. We hear from artists and activists who have used the selfie as a way of subverting the system, but also of documenting the state's encroachment on individual freedoms.
The final episode brings things full circle, as Ai Weiwei reflects on his own experiences with the selfie, and what it has taught him about human nature. We're left with the sense that the selfie is not just a superficial fad, but an integral part of our cultural landscape that offers both power and peril.
Overall, Takes: Ai Weiwei on the Selfie is a compelling and thought-provoking show that offers valuable insights into the selfie phenomenon. The show's creators have done an excellent job of exploring the many different ways in which the selfie has impacted our lives, from the political to the personal. The show is sure to spark lively debates and discussions, and will leave viewers pondering the complex relationship that they have with the act of taking a selfie.
