Gao Xingjian Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gao Xingjian.

Gao Xingjian is a Chinese-born writer, playwright, and artist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2000. He was born on January 4, 1940, in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China. Gao's artistic journey began as a painter, and he attended the Beijing Foreign Languages Institute to study French in the late 1950s. However, his focus gradually shifted towards literature, and he started experimenting with writing plays and novels.

Gao gained recognition for his avant-garde plays, which often tackled politically sensitive themes and challenged traditional Chinese theater conventions. Notably, his play "Bus Stop" was banned in mainland China for its critical take on the Cultural Revolution. Despite facing censorship and persecution, Gao continued to write and eventually gained international acclaim.

In addition to his contributions to Chinese drama, Gao is also renowned for his novels and essays. His novel "Soul Mountain," published in 1990, is considered a masterpiece and won him numerous accolades. His works are known for their poetic style, philosophical depth, and reflections on the human condition.

Gao Xingjian's accomplishments as a writer, artist, and advocate for artistic freedom have made him one of China's most influential and respected cultural figures. He currently resides in France and continues to write and paint.