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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.

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
Would
Writings
Influenced
Interviews
Understood
Read
Writing
Work
Never
Warhol

More quotes by Ai Weiwei

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I have always stated I designed the stadium as a toilet seat. I don't care if this is a great cultural event or a national symbol. It has nothing to do with me. It deals with the city.
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What counts in the end is what the government does.
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The Internet changes the structure of society all the time — this massiveness made of individuals.
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[Shanghai Biennale] has been my attitude for as long as I've been practicing art and other cultural-related activities.
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I loved New York — every inch of it. It was a little bit scary at that time, but still, the excitement was so strong — visually and intellectually. It was like a monster.
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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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My understanding of Chinese history is limited. So far, I have only scratched its surface I wish I could find out more.
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Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.
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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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It's always nice to share your energy with young people, the people who might not have any skills but are simply willing to be a part of it.
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I remember one little rainy day I went searching for this apartment and I saw so many people standing on a stoop on the corner in the rain. Later I realized, that was drug traffic. They were all buying drugs.
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We live in changing times, and many people experience the challenges that come with it. In the face of uncertain futures, no one will know what to expect.
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Imagine one day, the hateful world around you collapses. And it is your attitude, words and actions that put an end to it. Will you be excited?
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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.
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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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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 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.
Ai Weiwei
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I never regret anything.
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I don't think my father had a direct influence on me, but I do think, more or less, I was influenced by his independent individualism. And the kind of condition he had when he was in this society - the kind of mistreatment society gave him.
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The purpose of art is the fight for freedom.
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