If my art has nothing to do with people's pain and sorrow, what is 'art' for? Ai Weiwei artpainpeople Change image and share on social
Beijing's Olympics were very grand - they were trying to throw a party for the world, but the hosts didn't enjoy it. The government didn't care about people's feelings because it was trying to create an image. Ai Weiwei beijingcarecreate share on social
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 accountabilitycallchance Change image and share on social
China is an old nation with a colourful history. Its booming economy has triggered an appetite and a curiosity around the world for its art and culture, one that continues to grow. I can, however, tell people that it is a show with no actor. Ai Weiwei actorappetiteart share on social
The seed is a household object but at the same time it is a revolutionary symbol. Ai Weiwei householdobjectrevolutionary Change image and share on social
I'm most embarrassed at my art shows, even though I don't show it. Ai Weiwei artembarrassshow Change image and share on social
Because Great Britain has self-confidence, it doesn't need a monumental Olympics. Ai Weiwei britainconfidencegreat Change image and share on social
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. Ai Weiwei anymorebindbusiness Change image and share on social
The 'Bird's 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 birdcompetitionconceive share on social
I think Chinese leadership is trying to tell the world they have another set of logic or reasoning or values which are different from yours. Of course, I don't think they believe that. It's just an argument that's made when you can't confront the truth and facts. They really want to maintain power. Ai Weiwei argumentchineseconfront share on social