Ai Weiwei – Sewing a Button Live…
3rd July 2026
Hello my most beautiful and precious starshine {} xxx
It’s 18:00. I imagine you must be so relieved the week’s over. I am for you too xx How are you? I really do hope you’re okay. I imagine you might be shattered {} Completely switch off and rest well my lovely {} xxx
I know you’re not going to get this in time, but I wanted to send it to you. Ai Weiwei is doing a live 24 hour performance, right now, of Sewing a Button. He’s recreating his experience in his prison cell, when he was arrested without charge.
Being put in a cell, not having any privacy and being interrogated like that, is absolutely horrific and terrifying. Yes, it would’ve been brutal and life changing. The poor man. He would’ve been in constant survival mode during the 81 days.
I can’t imagine how he would’ve felt by the small act of kindness from the guard, who finally gave him a needle and thread to repair his trouser button, after two months. As they say, it must have been an incredibly poignant moment.
I know being mainly confined to this bed and room, is not comparable at all. I still have my freedom and I’m not under constant surveillance, but I have noticed the change in my emotions. Small acts of kindness have always meant the world to me, but since this illness and being confined to this room, it means so much more. It’s like everything is amplified, including feelings of gratitude.
Ai Weiwei’s life was in dangerous hands. I’m incredibly lucky my life is in the safest of hands with Liron.
What Ai Weiwei experienced is one of my worst nightmares. With sharing the bedroom with my dad, I had no privacy at home. The fear and tension was constant after my mum died, but my escape was school and everything connected to it. I felt completely free there, and I’m so thankful for that.
I would’ve been completely broken if I was only stuck in that room and house, with my dad and his family. I know this. I saw it happen to my uncle’s wife.
It’s 19:18. Ai Weiwei is sitting in silence with the two guards on either side. He needs to stay silent for his safety. I do understand how that feels.
It’s 19:19 xx I didn’t expect to write all of that. I’m really struggling with my energy and brain. It’s extremely difficult to write at the moment.
I’m keeping everything crossed you can now sit back, relax, and rest, rest and rest my lovely {} xx With the World Cup being on, I’m keeping everything crossed you’ll be able to chill with totp, or something just as fun.
Take the greatest and gentlest care of yourself my precious angel xx Enjoy the most beautifully chilled evening with your heavenly meal, and nourish your gorgeous soul with lots of special goodies {} xxx
I love you so much and I’m hugging you tightly {} xx I’m also sending you an infinite amount of magical healing love, comforting bear hugs and soothing kisses. They’ll stay with you {} xxxx
I just realised, Ai Weiwei is not just recreating his horrific experience, he’s reliving it. I’ve been listening as I’ve been writing. The repetitive shuffling sound, as they walk back and forth in the room, along with the fear inducing music, is extremely unsettling and unnerving. I want it to stop. This is an incredibly powerful piece. I wish I could ask you for your thoughts.
I really wish I could speak with you and ask you how you are. Ask you how your day’s been, what you’re doing, what you’re going to enjoy for dinner, what magic you’re playing…{} xxx
It’s 20:20 xx