Chinese - Artist | May 18, 1957 -
Historically, China is not a nation of sportsmen. We traditionally put more emphasis on being close to nature than pushing endlessly to excel. A philosophy that values tranquil contemplation of the landscape cannot easily be adapted to the Olympic slogan of 'higher, stronger, faster.'
Ai Weiwei
NaturePhilosophyLandscapeStronger
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.
PowerTreePeopleSayingVoiceYou
The seed is a household object but at the same time it is a revolutionary symbol.
TimeSeedSameRevolutionaryObject
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.
GovernmentPeopleSocietySaying
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.
EducationWorldInternetViewYou
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.
HeartMyselfMeLongI CanBreathe
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.
LifeTodayHappyPeopleHappy Life
The Olympic Games are highly commercialised. They purport to follow the traditions of an ancient athletics competition, but today it is the commercial aspect that is most apparent. I have seen how, through sport, cities and corporations compete against each other for financial gain.
TodayCompetitionFinancialFollow
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.
PassionArtImaginationCreative
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.
FamilyPowerTimePolicePeopleYou
A nation that has no music and no fairytales is a tragedy.
MusicTragedyNation
If my art has nothing to do with people's pain and sorrow, what is 'art' for?
ArtPainPeopleNothingSorrow
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