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 can't manufacture the happiness of our people. Ai Weiwei abilitycheaplychina share on social
Chinese citizens have never had the right to really express their opinions; in the constitution it says you can, but in the real world it is more dangerous. In the west people think it's a right they're born with. Here it's a right given by the government, and one that's not really practised. Ai Weiwei bearchinesecitizen share on social
I don't think it's worth discussing new directions in the context of Chinese art - there were no old directions, either. Chinese art has never had any clear orientation. Ai Weiwei artchineseclear Change image and share on social
The internet is a wild land with its own games, languages and gestures through which we are starting to share common feelings. Ai Weiwei commonfeelinggame Change image and share on social
The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Ai Weiwei americanbasiccitizen Change image and share on social
The Olympic Games are highly commercialised. They purport to follow the traditions of an ancient athletics competition, but today it is the commercial aspect that is most apparent. I have seen how, through sport, cities and corporations compete against each other for financial gain. Ai Weiwei ancientapparentaspect share on social
I'm always followed by two or three cars and have police around. Even walking in the park, you see them taking photos behind the bushes and trying to videotape everything. Ai Weiwei bushcarpark Change image and share on social
Censorship is saying: 'I'm the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine.' But the internet is like a tree that is growing. The people will always have the last word - even if someone has a very weak, quiet voice. Such power will collapse because of a whisper. Ai Weiwei censorshipcollapseconclusion share on social
To the media, I have become a symbolic figure, critical of China. According to the government, I am a dangerous threat. Ai Weiwei chinacriticaldangerous Change image and share on social
Police in China can do whatever they want; after 81 days in arbitrary detention you clearly realise that they don't have to obey their own laws. In a society like this there is no negotiation, no discussion, except to tell you that power can crush you any time they want - not only you, your whole family and all people like you. Ai Weiwei arbitrarychinacrush share on social