If we are talking about the artist who is best known around the world, the answer at the moment is probably Ai Weiwei. This 55 year old contemporary artist is very famous in his own country; he is especially known for his work on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, when he was involved in the design for the Olympic stadium. His artworks, photographs and sculptures have been exhibited around the world. You can see a video about this artist here.

But apart from his fame as an artist, the reason Ai Weiwei is known to so many people is also political. The son of a political activisit, he himself has always been outspoken about the Beijing regime. His criticisms have often angered the government in the past, and in April 2011 he was arrested. The official reason was tax evasion, but his supporters believe this charge, and others that have been made against him since, was just an excuse. He was freed after about 3 months, but is not allowed to leave the country.