Ai Weiwei Quotes, Father Quotes, Independent Quotes

I don't think my father had a direct influence on me, but I do think, more or less, I was influenced by his independent individualism. And the kind of condition he had when he was in this society - the kind of mistreatment society gave him.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Father Quotes , Independent Quotes

New York has given me a lot, but I still don't consider it home.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , New York Quotes , Home Quotes

I wouldn’t say I’ve become more radical: I was born radical.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Born Quotes

Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Artist Quotes , Way Quotes

It became like a symbolic thing, to be “an artist.” After Duchamp, I realized that being an artist is more about a lifestyle and attitude than producing some product.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Attitude Quotes , Artist Quotes

Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Self Quotes , Way Forward Quotes

After I came back [to China], there was still a long period of time when I felt I had nothing to do.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Long Quotes , China Quotes

[Shanghai Biennale] has been my attitude for as long as I've been practicing art and other cultural-related activities.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Art Quotes , Attitude Quotes

Without freedom of speech, there is no modern world, just a barbaric one.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Freedom Of Speech Quotes , World Quotes

My situation gives me certain ideas about beauty or the excitement of life, but that doesn't mean other people can necessarily appreciate it.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Mean Quotes , Ideas Quotes

The deadly weapon against totalitarian society is openness - doing everything very openly on the Internet, letting people know every detail, any little development. Once it is out there, everybody can make their own judgement. [Therefore] holding a trial outside the court. I think that is fairness, that is justice, that is a civil society. Otherwise call it an evil society because everything is hidden.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Thinking Quotes , People Quotes

I also doubt a man can give really clear reasons for anything.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Men Quotes , Giving Quotes

The so-called culture nowadays is only a fake one with a superficial front. It is an empty lie.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Lying Quotes , Fake Quotes

I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Art Quotes , Thinking Quotes

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.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Believe Quotes , Games Quotes

Stupidity can win for a moment, but it can never really succeed because the nature of humans is to seek freedom. Rulers can delay that freedom, but they cannot stop it.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Winning Quotes , Stupidity Quotes

Only with the Internet can a peasant I have never met hear my voice and I can learn what's on his mind. A fairy tale has come true.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Voice Quotes , Mind Quotes

New York was not a romantic city at [80th]. Nobody knows who you are and you don't have to care about anybody else. It's a very cold city, I should say.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , New York Quotes , Cities Quotes

There are no outdoor sports as graceful as throwing stones at a dictatorship.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Sports Quotes , Throwing Stones Quotes

I don't think it's worth discussing new directions in the context of Chinese art - there were no old directions, either. Chinese art has never had any clear orientation.

5 years ago

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Tags : Ai Weiwei Quotes , Art Quotes , Thinking Quotes