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I came back [to Beijing ] because that's the only time I had an excuse to come back, or otherwise I would never have a reason to come back.

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
Beijing
Time
Excuse
Otherwise
Came
Back
Reason
Come
Never

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My situation gives me certain ideas about beauty or the excitement of life, but that doesn't mean other people can necessarily appreciate it.
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This so-called contemporary art is not a form, but a philosophy of society.
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For me, it is OK as long as I can breathe, as long as my heart is pumping, as long as I can express myself.
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I'm always interested in people who are not orientated in art circles to become part of it.
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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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I’m an artist who is always looking for what is possible. I’m always looking to extend the boundaries.
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My typical day is I wake up and appreciate that I can still wake up.
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Anyone fighting for freedom does not want to totally lose their freedom.
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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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Creativity is the power to act.
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The rest of the world understands little about China's changes and the possibilities and crises that come with them.
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Life is never guaranteed to be safe, so we better use it while we are still in good condition.
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I often feel more disgust than pride about this kind of success. So there's no regret whatsoever.
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Politics is like air and water. And you know if there is bad politics. Everyone is polluted. Everyone is unhealthy. See the people walking on the street: how they act.
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