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I don't think it's worth discussing new directions in the context of Chinese art - there were no old directions, either. Chinese art has never had any clear orientation.

Ai Weiwei

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Ai Weiwei
Age: 67
Born: 1957
Born: May 18
Architect
Consultant
Contemporary Artist
Designer
Film Director
Human Rights Activist
Painter
Photographer
Sculptor
Social Activist
Peking
Wei-wei Ai
Weiwei Ai
Ai Wei Wei
Chinese
Worth
Either
Clear
Art
Orientation
Never
Discussing
Think
Directions
Thinking
Context

More quotes by Ai Weiwei

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I can still wake up the next day and feel that there's something that needs to be done, which always amuses me.
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I spent a lot of time standing on street corners [of New York City] talking to local residents. I spent time in bookstores and galleries. But most of the time, I really did not have much to do.
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To experience poetry is to see over and above reality. It is to discover that which is beyond the physical, to experience another life and another level of feeling. It is to wonder about the world, to understand the nature of people and, most importantly, to be shared with another, old or young, known or unknown.
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I curated this show [Shanghai Biennale ], I was by no means trying to shock people or be controversial.
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We grew up in a very material-lacking socialist society, but today China is a capitalist society. It's very materialistic. It's full of desire and luxury goods.
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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.
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The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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You're still being looked at as somebody who - it's a very complicated issue.
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Many people are going to use [Beijing National Stadium], which makes it more meaningful. If we don't design it, somebody else has to design it.
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Had I to create a name for these times, I’d say it is the age of craziness
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Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
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If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be writing on Twitter.
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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.
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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.
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I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself.
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Through my work and ways of expression, I strive to engage in dialogue with the society that I am living in.
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I always want people to be confused, to be shocked or realize something later.
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As a total activity - I practice curating, art, architecture, writing, and publishing all together. I still act as a living creature.
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Warhol influenced me because of his writing. If I had never read his writings and interviews, I would never have understood his work.
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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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