Mr. Ai is well known in China due to his designing of the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium. He is the son of prominent 20th century literary figure, Ai Qing. Presently Ai Weiwei has a favourably reviewed exhibit at the Tate Gallery.
His arrest can be seen as a milestone in the Chinese authorities' suppression of dissent due to Mr. Ai's prominence and very good reputation among most Chinese people in China.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-blocks-well-known-artist-ai-weiwei-from-taking-flight-to-hong-kong/2011/04/03/AFNRW9SC_story.html
Insightful article about Mr. Ai in New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/arts/design/ai-weiwei-takes-role-of-chinas-conscience.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
Very powerful video statement by Mr. Ai:
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