My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate [the two] is itself a very political intention.
AI WEIWEI[Museums] all belongs to the cultural department, which is the biggest cultural department in the world.
More Ai Weiwei Quotes
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Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
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I want people to see their own power.
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What is important is that we actively express our thoughts and wishes, in every realm that we can access.
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I’m just bringing them to Kassel to see the art show, and pay their room and board.
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Everything is selected by the central government without good judgment or an understanding of culture to make it really safe. They will become nobody to maintain their power and be raised to the next higher level.
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Dictatorship is a story about death of others who turn out to be you coincidently.
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I also have to speak out for people around me who are afraid, who think it is not worth it or who have totally given up hope. So I want to set an example: you can do it and this is OK, to speak out.
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The rest of the world understands little about China’s changes and the possibilities and crises that come with them.
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People who can’t do that don’t get a sense of responsibility. And if you lack a sense of responsibility, you push the blame onto the system.
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I don’t care if this is a great cultural event or a national symbol. It has nothing to do with me. It deals with the city.
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I think it’s a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression and to use any way to extend this power.
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If a master, a wise and experienced man, wields a great weapon, that’s beautiful. He can serve peace with it. But if someone’s emotions are imbalanced, even if he has the best equipment,
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A lot of the time [in the U.S.], I was thinking about how spending time is always questionable or is always the biggest obstacle in my life.
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I’m an artist who is always looking for what is possible. I’m always looking to extend the boundaries.
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Freedom of expression is a very essential condition for me to make any art. Also, it is an essential value for my life. I have to protect this right and also to fight for the possibility.
AI WEIWEI