The Birds 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. – Ai Weiwei
The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. – Ai Weiwei
To work in architecture you are so much involved with society, with politics, with bureaucrats. Its 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. – 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