Ai Weiwei quotes

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist, renowned for his provocative installations and outspoken criticism of the Chinese government. His works explore themes of human rights, freedom of expression, and social justice. He continues to use art and public statements to challenge political oppression and advocate for change. Here are 247 of his quotes:

I call on people to be 'obsessed citizens,' forever questioning and asking for accountability. That's the only chance we have today of a healthy and happy life. (Ai Weiwei)
To protect the right of expression is the central part of an artist's activity... In China many essential rights are lacking, and I wanted to remind people of this. View quote
Ai Weiwei
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. View quote
Ai Weiwei
I think by shattering it we can create a new form, a new way to look at what is valuable - how we decide what is valuable. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Because of the economic crisis, China and the United States are bound together. This is a totally new phenomenon, and nobody will fight for ideology anymore. It's all about business. View quote
Ai Weiwei
The Internet is uncontrollable. And if the Internet is uncontrollable, freedom will win. It's as simple as that. View quote
Ai Weiwei
My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall. Art should live in the heart of the people. Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don't think art is elite or mysterious. I don't think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Your own acts tell the world who you are and what kind of society you think it should be. View quote
Ai Weiwei
A small act is worth a million thoughts. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught. View quote
Ai Weiwei
If there is no freedom of expression, then the beauty of life is lost. Participation in a society is not an artistic choice, it's a human need. (Ai Weiwei)
Everything is art. Everything is politics. View quote
Ai Weiwei
The art always wins. Anything can happen to me, but the art will stay. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Without freedom of speech, there is no modern world, just a barbaric one. View quote
Ai Weiwei
The world is not changing if you don't shoulder the burden of responsibility. View quote
Ai Weiwei
I think art certainly is the vehicle for us to develop any new ideas, to be creative, to extend our imagination, to change the current conditions. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something. View quote
Ai Weiwei
I want people to see their own power. View quote
Ai Weiwei
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. View quote
Ai Weiwei
We have to give our opinion, we have to say something, or we are a part of it. As an artist I am forced to say something. View quote
Ai Weiwei
During the days in detention, I thought most about the moon. (Ai Weiwei)
Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward. View quote
Ai Weiwei
I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself. View quote
Ai Weiwei
I wouldn't say I've become more radical: I was born radical. View quote
Ai Weiwei
Choices after waking up: To be true or to lie? To take action or be brainwashed? To be free or be jailed? View quote
Ai Weiwei