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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 art is a very important weapon to achieve human freedom
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China is at a different stage of development, human rights are violated here much more often. And still, we see improvements even here.
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Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it.
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So-called Chinese art and culture is under control of the Party. They exist to serve the official agenda. I call it fake art and culture.
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If Shakespeare were alive today, he might be writing on Twitter.
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China and the U.S. are two societies with very different attitudes towards opinion and criticism. In China, I am constantly under surveillance. Even my slightest, most innocuous move can - and often is - censored by Chinese authorities.
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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.'
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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.
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I think by shattering it we can create a new form, a new way to look at what is valuable — how we decide what is valuable.
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To the media, I have become a symbolic figure, critical of China. According to the government, I am a dangerous threat.
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In an environment without public platform nor protection, the individual is the most powerful and most responsible.
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For all the tough talk about China during the presidential debates, Romney and Obama evaded any mention of China's suspect human rights record, corruption, and rule of law. By not tackling these controversial topics, the candidates are protecting a strategic partnership with China at the expense of essential human values and beliefs.
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After I came back [to China], there was still a long period of time when I felt I had nothing to do.
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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.
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China seems unpredictable because it has a distinct culture and social system. It is still a mystery to other parts of the world, even though the veil of China has been lifted many times as a result of globalization.
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It's really rubbish that some kind of technical learning means you will be a better person because you know this skill better.
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Twitter is most suitable for me. In the Chinese language, 140 characters is a novella.
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The people who control culture in China have no culture.
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I think everybody deserves freedom. Freedom is such an abstract word, but it's all we need.
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