Quote

It became like a symbolic thing, to be “an artist.” After Duchamp, I realized that being an artist is more about a lifestyle and attitude than producing some product.

Ai Weiwei

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

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
Became
Products
Attitude
Artist
Symbolic
Thing
Producing
Like
Lifestyle
Product
Realized

More quotes by Ai Weiwei

Image
Once you've tasted freedom, it stays in your heart...
Ai Weiwei
Image
This is a very general understanding of art in China, that being an artist can make you money and turn you into a star.
Ai Weiwei
Image
After I came back [to China], there was still a long period of time when I felt I had nothing to do.
Ai Weiwei
Image
For years, I refused to go to any openings, not even my own.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Your own acts tell the world who you are and what kind of society you think it should be.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.
Ai Weiwei
Image
I always want people to be confused, to be shocked or realize something later.
Ai Weiwei
Image
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 Weiwei
Image
It's always the rich and there's plenty to waste, yet still China has a lot of people living in very spare, poor conditions.
Ai Weiwei
Image
All movies in China are censored. Out of 600 movies produced in China, only 60 are allowed to show in theatres.
Ai Weiwei
Image
I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai Weiwei
Image
I think it’s a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression and to use any way to extend this power.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Life is much more interesting when you make a little bit of effort.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Everything is art. Everything is politics.
Ai Weiwei
Image
China spends a lot of resources and effort on gaining soft power over culture. The hope is that it can be the last lifeline for the Party's survival. Obviously, the idea will fail.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Historically, China is not a nation of sportsmen. We traditionally put more emphasis on being close to nature than pushing endlessly to excel. A philosophy that values tranquil contemplation of the landscape cannot easily be adapted to the Olympic slogan of 'higher, stronger, faster.'
Ai Weiwei
Image
I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Civilization has evolved toward more acceptance, understanding and tolerance of global thinking. If we accept differences, our creativity booms. It makes life much more colorful. It also makes humanity much more safe. If we see pureness somewhere as something to be desired, the trouble starts.
Ai Weiwei
Image
A society is healthy only when it allows its members to discuss their thoughts openly. This is also the only way that a society can gather consensus, let everyone express his or her wish, and foster creativity.
Ai Weiwei
Image
Selling high or low doesn't mean anything. It has to do purely with the market.
Ai Weiwei