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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.

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
Two
Definitions
Always
Intention
Think
Anybody
Thinking
Expression
Politics
Freedom
Art
Definition
Political
Separate

More quotes by Ai Weiwei

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I think U.S. and China is a big opportunity, to be seen as partner or some kind of strategic partner maybe. But those kind of powers have a way of getting too big, then we'll have competition. And who is going to win the competition if U.S. cannot hold a strong ideology? And even the U.S. would've lost the ground to win.
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I think Donald Trump should cool down a little bit. To pay more attention to the history. To really understand what U.S.'s value is about. I think, as a president, those things you always have to ask.
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The freedom of speech is an important yardstick for a society's level of civilization.
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I don't believe in a sense of home.
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I always want people to be confused, to be shocked or realize something later.
Ai Weiwei
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Liberty is about our rights to question everything.
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To call yourself a Chinese artist or woman artist or African artist reflects a certain kind of condition. To me, that is not necessary.
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In China, we don't have any contemporary art museums. Until a few years ago, we didn't even have a gallery.
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Measuring national prestige by gold medals is like using Viagra to judge the potency of a man.
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I never think any place is better than others.
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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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Your own acts tell the world who you are and what kind of society you think it should be.
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Chinese government is very clearly losing power in every aspect, but trying to fix up all the problems or potential problems.
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If it's possible, I will have some noodles in the morning and start talking to people, start to think about a few things in my head - the project or a few ideas which are not finished or if there are possible directions and what will lead into another game. It's always like setting up some kind of game you can continuously play.
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This so-called contemporary art is not a form, but a philosophy of society.
Ai Weiwei
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I also have to speak out for people around me who are afraid, who think it is not worth it or who have totally given up hope. So I want to set an example: you can do it and this is OK, to speak out.
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If I look at it, I would laugh. I don't know how I became successful.
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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.
Ai Weiwei
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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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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