We should use this public sphere and redefine – beyond China’s borders – what a government is allowed to do, where its powers end and where the realm of a citizen’s privacy begins.
AI WEIWEII don’t think my father had a direct influence on me, but I do think, more or less, I was influenced by his independent individualism.
More Ai Weiwei Quotes
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To express yourself needs a reason, but expressing yourself is the reason.
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The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention.
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The IT people who have made such an effort to know and understand computer technology. They are frustrated that you cannot use Facebook, Twitter and YouTube in China. They are the first to recognize that the situation is terrible.
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[Being unique] gives so much privilege to people who can make it, rather than having some moral and aesthetic discussions.
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I think by shattering it we can create a new form, a new way to look at what is valuable – how we decide what is valuable.
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Censorship is saying: “I’m the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine.” But the internet is like a tree that is growing.
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If I really have nothing to do, I just watch my cats, take some photos, and go back to my personal blog.
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When you have strict censorship of the internet, young students cannot receive a full education. Their view of the world is imbalanced. There can be no true discussion of the issues.
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They’ve become part of a conspiracy, collaborators of the crime, which is lying to the general public and trying to hide the kind of criminal acts happening in many cases.
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I also doubt a man can give really clear reasons for anything.
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Everyone thinks the Chinese government selected me. Never ever. I was selected by Herzog and de Meuron.
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Creativity 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.
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You know about the fantasies related to the classics, but there is no real discussion about today’s life and no discussion of the real conditions – which is really sickening.
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If there is no freedom of expression, then the beauty of life is lost. Participation in a society is not an artistic choice, it’s a human need.
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I never had secure, belonging feelings with this society [in China].
AI WEIWEI