The latest work by internationally famous artist Ai Weiwei was on display in a Hackney drycleaners.

The screen print, titled Guardian (2024), has been released in partnership with Avant Arte and was displayed in the window of The Steam Room in Haggerston in February to coincide with the Lunar New Year as we entered the Year of the Dragon.

The Steam Room, a drycleaner and lifestyle store, has been open since 2004. Regarding their latest window display, owner Tony Chung has said that “having the opportunity to feature Ai Weiwei, a visionary in the art world, was an experience filled with both honour and awe.” The Steam Room has been showcasing artworks in its window since 2020, and Chung said “embracing Asian artists during the Lunar New Year has become a heartfelt tradition.”

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist is a multi-award winner, was a runner up in Time’s Person of the Year award in 2011, and has exhibited in some of the world’s most major institutions including London’s Royal Academy of the Arts and Tate Modern. The Steam Room is beloved by major British fashion designers including Roksanda and Henry Holland. Chung says the collaboration comes from his own journey in design – “fuelling my passion to nurture young designers and their creations”.

“We delicately handle each garment with a level of care that speaks to our understanding of the art of fashion. It’s been an organic journey, built on trust and word-of-mouth within the design community.

Ai Weiwei Guardian (2024) installation at The Steam Room in Haggerston. Image credit: Avant Arte

Tony Chung, owner of The Steam Room with the newly released Ai Weiwei screenprint. Image credit: Avant A