“China didn't want to lose the cutting edge of technology. So the idea of having a Sina Weibo was an attempt to compete with Twitter. However, it has no soul - which is freedom of expression. Nevertheless, I think the government regrets having Sina Weibo, but they cannot shut it down. That would definitely be suicidal.” ThinkingWantIdeasSoulGovernmentLosesTechnologyCuttingExpressionRegretEdgesChinaNeverthelessSuicidalFreedom Of ExpressionCutting Edge Author:Ai Weiwei
“My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall.” WayArtExpressionCommunicationWallDefinitionsMuseumsNew WaysFreedom Of Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“Individual; that means he has his own special way to communicate, which creates the form of him. In the information age, this expression and communication has become so different.” WayMeanDifferentAgeFormIndividualSpecialInformationExpressionCommunicationCommunicateInformation Age Author:Ai Weiwei
“Through my work and ways of expression, I strive to engage in dialogue with the society that I am living in.” WayExpressionStriveDialogue Author:Ai Weiwei
“The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.” HumansUnderstandingResponsibilityRightsExpressionCitizensHuman RightsIndividualityFreedom Of ExpressionBasic Human RightsRights And Responsibilities Author:Ai Weiwei
“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.” ArtValuesFightingConditionsPossibilityExpressionProtectEssentialsFreedom Of Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“I think it’s a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression and to use any way to extend this power.” ThinkingWayUseArtistResponsibilityExpressionProtectFreedom Of Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“We should also leave behind discrimination, because it is narrow-minded and ignorant, denies contact and warmth; and corrodes mankind's belief that we can better ourselves. The only way to avoid misunderstanding, war and bloodshed is to defend freedom of expression and to communicate with sincerity, concern and good intentions.” WayShouldWarBeliefBehindsMankindExpressionConcernIntentionCommunicateDenyDiscriminationIgnorantContactWarmthSincerityMisunderstandingGood IntentionsFreedom Of ExpressionBloodshedNarrow-minded Author:Ai Weiwei
“I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself.” I CanSilenceExpressionFree Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“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.” IfsNeedsHumansLife IsChoicesLostExpressionArtisticParticipationFreedom Of ExpressionBeauty Of LifeHuman Needs Author:Ai Weiwei
“Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.” ArtConditionsExpressionSkillsArt IsOvercomingObstacles Author:Ai Weiwei
“My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall. Art should live in the heart of the people. Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don’t think art is elite or mysterious. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention.” PeopleThinkingWayShouldHeartArtPoliticalAbilityExpressionCommunicationWallOrdinaryArt IsShould HaveIntentionDefinitionsMysteriousMuseumsElitesNew WaysOrdinary PeopleFreedom Of Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“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.” ThinkingArtTwoPoliticalExpressionIntentionDefinitionsFreedom Of Expression Author:Ai Weiwei
“For artists and intellectuals today, what is most needed is to be clear about social responsibility, because that is what most people automatically give up. Just to protect yourself as an individual is very political. You don't have to march on Tiananmen, but you do have to be clear-minded, to find your own means of expression.” PeopleGivingMeanTodayPoliticalArtistIndividualSocialResponsibilityClearExpressionNeededProtectGiving UpMarchSocial ResponsibilityProtect Yourself Author:Ai Weiwei
“You need a purpose to express yourself, but that expression is its own purpose.” NeedsPurposeExpressionExpress Yourself Author:Ai Weiwei
“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.” YearsHas BeensArtCountryStatesPurposeCultureLeftRoomsOpinionExpressionProductsArt IsMeaningfulChineseCharmEngagementViewersAmbiguityFreedom Of ExpressionArt And CultureChinese Art Author:Ai Weiwei
