Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – People are always wondering if…
“People are always wondering if I am an artist or political activist or politician. Maybe I’ll just clearly tell you: Whatever I do is not art. Let’s say it is just objects or materials, movies or writing, but not art, OK?”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – I see the Beijing National…
“I see the Beijing National Stadium as an architectural project. I accepted Herzog and De Meuron’s invitation to collaborate on the design, and our proposal won the competition. From beginning to end, I stayed with the project. I am committed to fostering relationships between a city and its architecture.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – The American experience influenced my…
“The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – The Chinese art world does…
“The Chinese art world does not exist. In a society that restricts individual freedoms and violates human rights, anything that calls itself creative or independent is a pretence. It is impossible for a totalitarian society to create anything with passion and imagination.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – Everyone wants an iPhone, but…
“Everyone wants an iPhone, but it would be impossible to design an iPhone in China because it’s not a product it’s an understanding of human nature.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – China has not established the…
“China has not established the rule of law and if there is a power above the law there is no social justice. Everybody can be subjected to harm. I’m just a citizen: my life is equal in value to any other. But I’m thankful that when I lost my freedom so many people shared feelings and put such touching effort into helping me.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – Widespread state control over art…
“Widespread state control over art and culture has left no room for freedom of expression in the country. For more than 60 years, anyone with a dissenting opinion has been suppressed. Chinese art is merely a product: it avoids any meaningful engagement. There is no larger context. Its only purpose is to charm viewers with its ambiguity.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – The ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium…
“The ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium, which I helped to conceive, is designed to embody the Olympic spirit of ‘fair competition.’ It tells people that freedom is possible but needs fairness, courage and strength.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – I don’t believe in the…
“I don’t believe in the so-called Olympic spirit. I speak from personal experience. When China hosted the Games, it failed to include the people. The event was constructed without regard for their joy.”
-Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei – Censorship is saying: ‘I’m the…
“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. The people will always have the last word – even if someone has a very weak, quiet voice. Such power will collapse because of a whisper.”
-Ai Weiwei