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
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
This week, the world gathers in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic games. This is the extraordinary moment China has been dreaming of for 100 years. People have been longing for this moment, because it symbolises a turning point in Chinas relationship with the outside world. – 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