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
This nation is notorious for its ability to make or fake anything cheaply. Made-in-China goods now fill homes around the world. But our giant country has a small problem. We cant manufacture the happiness of our people. – 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
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 Im saying is common sense. Its very essential values that we all have to protect. But in Chinese society, people are giving up on protecting these values. – Ai Weiwei