Today, the general masses in this society are in this political-social condition that really encourages people to become rich and become a star and be unique.
AI WEIWEIToday, the general masses in this society are in this political-social condition that really encourages people to become rich and become a star and be unique.
AI WEIWEIThe society was so different [in China] – it was a feudalistic society. It didn’t come to a point of industrial revolution until twenty years ago.
AI WEIWEIThe museums used to be exhibition halls for government propaganda, and now every city wants to build a museum.
AI WEIWEIIn the end, I think, the state’s rigidity is a function of its own insecurity, its indecisiveness.
AI WEIWEINothing is clear-cut. Perhaps I’ll find my way – or get totally lost.
AI WEIWEIEveryone of us is a potential convict.
AI WEIWEINationality and borders are barriers to our intelligence, to our imagination and to all kinds of possibilities.
AI WEIWEIThere’s no single artwork I even want to mention or that I can even really think about it to have any feeling, to be proud of it.
AI WEIWEII think it’s a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression and to use any way to extend this power.
AI WEIWEICreativity is the power to reject the past, to change the status quo, and to seek new potential. Simply put, aside from using one’s imagination – perhaps more importantly – creativity is the power to act.
AI WEIWEII never had secure, belonging feelings with this society [in China].
AI WEIWEIThese folks are creative and ironic, and the government can ultimately not control what is going on in their heads.
AI WEIWEI[Therefore] holding a trial outside the court. I think that is fairness, that is justice, that is a civil society. Otherwise call it an evil society because everything is hidden.
AI WEIWEIPolitics is like air and water. And you know if there is bad politics. Everyone is polluted. Everyone is unhealthy. See the people walking on the street: how they act.
AI WEIWEIHe will still mean danger. Modern technology requires calm. You shouldn’t trust anyone with a car who has no knowledge about vehicles or roads.
AI WEIWEIDestroy or build. Crazy or noncrazy. I’m not nostalgic about the old city. I don’t enjoy it that much.
AI WEIWEI