Somehow, we [ Tan Dun and director Chen Kaige] were all privileged at the time; we could be outside of China. But at the moment, we had no sense of what the future was going to be like. Ai Weiwei More Quotes by Ai Weiwei More Quotes From Ai Weiwei Creativity is the power to reject the past, to change the status quo, and to seek new potential. Simply put, aside from using one's imagination - perhaps more importantly - creativity is the power to act. Ai Weiwei creativity imagination past 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. Ai Weiwei wall communication art Your own acts tell the world who you are and what kind of society you think it should be. Ai Weiwei chinese change thinking The purpose of art is the fight for freedom. Ai Weiwei fighting purpose art A small act is worth a million thoughts. Ai Weiwei wisdom wise motivational Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught. Ai Weiwei creativity human-nature humans 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 choices expression needs The art always wins. Anything can happen to me, but the art will stay. Ai Weiwei anything-can-happen winning art I think optimism is whether you are still exhilarated by life, whether you are curious, whether you still believe there is possibility. Ai Weiwei optimism believe thinking Everything is art. Everything is politics. Ai Weiwei changing-the-world world art Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something. Ai Weiwei mindset artist way Imagine one day, the hateful world around you collapses. And it is your attitude, words and actions that put an end to it. Will you be excited? Ai Weiwei one-day attitude world Maybe being powerful means to be fragile. Ai Weiwei recovery powerful mean Technology is a liberation. I think the information age probably is the best thing to happen to the human race in human evolution. Now you have the equal opportunity to equip yourself through information and knowledge and express yourself as an independent mind. Ai Weiwei independent technology opportunity 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. Ai Weiwei delay stupidity winning 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. Ai Weiwei ideas art thinking The world is not changing if you don’t shoulder the burden of responsibility. Ai Weiwei burden responsibility world 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. Ai Weiwei opinion artist giving I always want people to be confused, to be shocked or realize something later. Ai Weiwei confused want people Liberty is about the right to question everything. Ai Weiwei liberty
