Ai Weiwei Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ai Weiwei.

Ai Weiwei is a renowned Chinese artist, activist, and filmmaker, known for arguably being one of the most influential and controversial figures in contemporary art today. Born on August 28, 1957, in Beijing, China, Ai grew up during the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution. This formative experience greatly influenced his later works, which often explore themes of government oppression, human rights, and freedom of speech.

Ai's art is characterized by his use of various mediums, including sculptures, installations, photography, and performance art. He combines traditional Chinese imagery with a subversive, critical perspective, challenging societal norms and authorities. His works have been displayed in prestigious art institutions worldwide, securing him recognition and admiration for his compelling artistic vision.

In addition to his artistic contributions, Ai Weiwei has become an outspoken activist and advocate for civil liberties and democracy in China. He has used social media platforms to voice his opposition to the Chinese government's policies and human rights abuses, often facing censorship and government backlash as a result. His activism and outspokenness have led to his arrest and subsequent surveillance by Chinese authorities, forcing him into a period of exile in Europe.

Despite numerous challenges, Ai Weiwei continues to create thought-provoking and politically charged art that resonates globally. His use of art to tackle social and political issues has solidified him as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene and an important voice advocating for human rights worldwide.

Police in China can do whatever they want after 81 days in a

Police in China can do whatever they want after 81 days in arbitrary detention you clearly realise that they don't have to obey their own laws. In a society like this there is no negotiation, no discussion, except to tell you that power can crush you any time they want - not only you, your whole family and all people like you.

As a person, I was born to give out my opinions. By giving o

As a person, I was born to give out my opinions. By giving out my opinions, I realize who I am. As long as I can communicate, I'm not so lonely. If I cannot travel, or do art, or have company, if they take away all my belongings, it doesn't matter at all.

Travel

People are always wondering if I am an artist or political a

People are always wondering if I am an artist or political activist or politician. Maybe I'll just clearly tell you: Whatever I do is not art. Let's say it is just objects or materials, movies or writing, but not art, OK?

Movies

I don't believe in the so-called Olympic spirit. I speak fro

I don't believe in the so-called Olympic spirit. I speak from personal experience. When China hosted the Games, it failed to include the people. The event was constructed without regard for their joy.

Experience

If we all say the same thing, then I think the government ha

If we all say the same thing, then I think the government has to listen. But because no one is saying it, I become singled out, even though what I'm saying is common sense. It's very essential values that we all have to protect. But in Chinese society, people are giving up on protecting these values.

Society

To work in architecture you are so much involved with societ

To work in architecture you are so much involved with society, with politics, with bureaucrats. It's a very complicated process to do large projects. You start to see the society, how it functions, how it works. Then you have a lot of criticism about how it works.

Architecture

China has not established the rule of law and if there is a

China has not established the rule of law and if there is a power above the law there is no social justice. Everybody can be subjected to harm. I'm just a citizen: my life is equal in value to any other. But I'm thankful that when I lost my freedom so many people shared feelings and put such touching effort into helping me.

Freedom

The 'Bird's Nest' National Stadium, which I helped to concei

The 'Bird's Nest' National Stadium, which I helped to conceive, is designed to embody the Olympic spirit of 'fair competition.' It tells people that freedom is possible but needs fairness, courage and strength.

Courage

I see the Beijing National Stadium as an architectural proje

I see the Beijing National Stadium as an architectural project. I accepted Herzog and De Meuron's invitation to collaborate on the design, and our proposal won the competition. From beginning to end, I stayed with the project. I am committed to fostering relationships between a city and its architecture.

Architecture

Widespread state control over art and culture has left no ro

Widespread state control over art and culture has left no room for freedom of expression in the country. For more than 60 years, anyone with a dissenting opinion has been suppressed. Chinese art is merely a product: it avoids any meaningful engagement. There is no larger context. Its only purpose is to charm viewers with its ambiguity.

Freedom

When you have strict censorship of the internet, young stude

When you have strict censorship of the internet, young students cannot receive a full education. Their view of the world is imbalanced. There can be no true discussion of the issues.

Education

When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down un

When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down until you get to the end of the row.

Smile

Censorship is saying: 'I'm the one who says the last sentenc

Censorship is saying: 'I'm the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine.' But the internet is like a tree that is growing. The people will always have the last word - even if someone has a very weak, quiet voice. Such power will collapse because of a whisper.

Power

Everyone wants an iPhone, but it would be impossible to desi

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.

Design

This week, the world gathers in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic

This week, the world gathers in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic games. This is the extraordinary moment China has been dreaming of for 100 years. People have been longing for this moment, because it symbolises a turning point in China's relationship with the outside world.

Relationship

The Chinese art world does not exist. In a society that rest

The Chinese art world does not exist. In a society that restricts individual freedoms and violates human rights, anything that calls itself creative or independent is a pretence. It is impossible for a totalitarian society to create anything with passion and imagination.

Imagination

The American experience influenced my understanding of indiv

The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Experience

This nation is notorious for its ability to make or fake any

This nation is notorious for its ability to make or fake anything cheaply. 'Made-in-China' goods now fill homes around the world. But our giant country has a small problem. We can't manufacture the happiness of our people.

Happiness