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I don't think I was very structured in that society and I don't really believe in personal success, which most Americans believe in.

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
Think
Thinking
Structured
Americans
Personal
Society
Success
Believe
Really

More quotes by Ai Weiwei

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I never regret anything.
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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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The Internet changes the structure of society all the time — this massiveness made of individuals.
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China is an old nation with a colourful history. Its booming economy has triggered an appetite and a curiosity around the world for its art and culture, one that continues to grow. I can, however, tell people that it is a show with no actor.
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In my life, I often make so-called major decisions by very quick, immediate responses.
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I think China is laughing about the results of the presidential elections. China, Russia, they all laugh about it. They see how dramatic U.S. has to be put this kind of shame on its own - cannot handle the situation. Or show such a difficulty with this liberal ideas. Men or women created equal. And to defend those very essential ideas.
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Life is much more interesting when you make a little bit of effort.
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We are living in a popular culture where everything is overexposed.
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I curated this show [Shanghai Biennale ], I was by no means trying to shock people or be controversial.
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I call on people to be 'obsessed citizens,' forever questioning and asking for accountability. That's the only chance we have today of a healthy and happy life.
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China partially wants to become part of the world. By hosting the Olympics and the Expo, they made a big effort to tell people: Look, we are the same. They want to be accepted by the international community.
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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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My musician friends are banned from playing concerts in China because they share the same views as I do. My name cannot appear on the web, because my opinion is different from the Party.
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Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I don’t feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy.
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The [China] government has improved in the last years. Of course, the structure is still the same there's still a one-party system and strong censorship.
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I don't like China. Even today, I still feel I have no emotional relations with this place.
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Any politician who respects China's government should tell it openly what is in his heart. It is disrespectful to keep quiet about such issues - both vis-a-vis the government and the people concerned.
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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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In the '80s, you couldn't walk in the neighborhood without looking back to see if anyone was following you. You had your key in your hand before you got to your apartment and you'd rush in so you didn't have to stop.
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I'm most embarrassed at my art shows, even though I don't show it.
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