The creative and critical thinking involves the contributions of both the known and unknown thinkers. There are numerous contributors in various fields such as technology, philosophy, theology, mythology, science and art. The focus of this paper is on two creative thinkers in the fields of theology and art, James Hal Cane and Ai Weiwei. Both of them have made tremendous contributions to their specialized fields and have sort solutions to various problems in they identified. This paper covers their ideas/contributions, journey of creativity and how they impacted their fields of specialization.
James Hal Cone is a theologian famously known for advocating for Black liberation theology. This kind of theology relates to the experience of African Americans, Black culture and history. It was to put Christianity in a context that would help African American people overcome oppression. He sought to deal with questions raised by African Americans in relation to the bible. He has also written a number of books including; Black Theology and Black Power (1969), and For My People: Black Theology and The Black Church. Currently, Hal is the Charter Augustus Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. Ai Weiwei is a Chinese activist and contemporary artist. He is famous for his architectural projects, sculptural installations and his open criticism of the Chinese government. Ai also uses videos and photographs to express his art. He collaborated with other writers on books promoting avant-garde Chinese art. He kept on suggesting injustices in the Government through documentary films and launching citizen investigations especially when buildings, collapsed or were destroyed by fire.
Ai and Cone both sought to solve different problems in their fields. Cone believed that the theology he had studied in College did not answer the questions he had based on his experience. He wanted the Black Christians to relate to theology better. He was opposed to the idea of African Americans following the “white church. Hal trusted that it was pro the system that brought oppression to black people. Cone was of the opinion that basing theology solely on religion was wrong. Cone’s aim was to empower African Americans in the best way he knew. Ai Weiwei on the other hand, wanted to expose the injustices in the Chinese Government. He used his artistic skills to create more awareness among the people. He also provided platforms for underground artists to express and showcase their art. He also wanted to address the issue of failing and weak structures that caused death in China.
James Hal Cone addressed the questions that the African American experience raised by returning to the scripture. He related the liberation events in the bible such as the Life of Jesus and the Exodus-Sinai tradition to the experience of African Americans. His use of resources that are native to the African American tradition was to respond to the critiques by other theologians and black women. This made his theology develop even further. Ai Weiwei used his art and skills to express his opinions. He also did investigative films to look into various happenings in Shanghai. He also used and still uses the internet to point and injustices in the system. Ai even started his own company, FAKE, to improve and modernize Chinese structures. He wanted to show and prove to the people that the happenings could have been prevented if the system was more just.
Cone’s main influence was the Black Power and the Civil Rights Movements. During that period, minorities were being oppressed and the white Christian Churches remained silent. Making it clear that they were silent partners in the exploitation of minority groups and that they profited from this. He questioned so many things growing up and the theology he learnt did not answer them. He felt that religion should relate to his culture in order for him to understand. Ai Weiwei on the other hand was experienced injustices from a young age with his family going into exile when he was only a child. It is believed that Ai’s love for art and activism was in born since his father was a poet who was believed to be a rightist. Ai’s exposure to the world made him more critical to the ongoing activities around him. This is why he encouraged awareness through art.
Ai Weiwei’s creative journey started in 1978 after joining the Beijing Film Academy to study animation. In that same year he helped found the art group “Stars”. From 1981-1983, he studied in the US. After dropping out of school, he made street portraits earn a living. He was exposed to the work of various artists which influenced his art. He later befriended poet Allen Ginsberg who knew his father. On returning to China, he collaborated on several books on the new generation artists. He wrote for a Chinese blog which he used to criticize government policies, to comment on social happenings and to share his thoughts (2005). In 2009, he supported an activist on trial and was assaulted by the police because of this. Ai was applauded for the painting, “sunflower seed” (2010). Later in that year he was notified that one of his recently built buildings will be razed and it was demolished. In 2011 Ai was detained allegedly for tax evasion. He was given a tax bill of $2.4 million which he contested but lost in 2012. His company’s business license was later revoked.
Hal Cone was born and raised in Arkansas in a Christian home. He began at the age of 16. Cone went on to study theology up to PhD level. Through his years as a student, he noted that theology was more specific to historical context rather than being universal as it was being put. This is why Cone was inspired by the Black Power Movement. He noted how belittled Blacks were in society and wanted to show God’s own identification with blackness. A lot of people came out to critique him including black women and he used this to develop his theology even further.
The artistic journeys of both artists had their challenges. Both were criticized for what they believed in. Their early influences, passion and knowledge, however, made them believe more and grow what they believed in. Hal Cone’s work helped Black Christians to relate better with God. It improved their understanding of the bible and empowered them to do better. His association with the Black Power Movement, a movement with a questionable reputation, may have been the cause of harsh criticism. Ai Weiwei’s use of daring art encouraged more young artists to be liberal and aware. His use of the internet to express his views landed him in trouble but also helped him relay his message. His documentaries and books are useful tools for artists and also researchers of art and architecture. These thinkers dig deep in their areas of study and providing a better understanding.

Reference
Boyd, G. (2012, april 23). James Hal Cone (1938-). Retrieved june 15, 2015, from The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture: http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=4595
Cunningham, J. M. (2014, may 16). Ai Weiwei Chinese activist and artist. Retrieved june 15, 2015, from Britannica.com: www.britannica.com/biography/Ai-Weiwei
JP, M. (n.d.). Global modernisms in the 21st century. Retrieved June 15, 2015, from KHANacademy: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/global-culture/global-art-architecture/a/ai-weiwei-remembering-and-the-politics-of-dissent
Turner, M. (n.d.). Cone, James Hal (1938-). Retrieved june 15, 2015, from BlackPast.org: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/james-hal-cone-1938