The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. – Ai Weiwei
Everyone wants an iPhone, but it would be impossible to design an iPhone in China because its not a product its an understanding of human nature. – Ai Weiwei
People are always wondering if I am an artist or political activist or politician. Maybe Ill just clearly tell you: Whatever I do is not art. Lets say it is just objects or materials, movies or writing, but not art, OK? – Ai Weiwei
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. – Ai Weiwei
I had the closest thing I have ever had to an out-of-body experience lying in bed one morning. I turned on the Today programme and item four on the news was: The shadow chancellor has ruled himself out of the leadership. I lay there thinking thats interesting, then I realised it was me. – George Osborne