430 Quotes by Ai Weiwei

We move so fast that memory is something we can only grasp.

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.

Everyone wants an iPhone, but it would be impossible to design an iPhone in China because it’s not a product; it’s an understanding of human nature.

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.

Warhol came from an ordinary family and he had a profound understanding about capitalism and material culture. He was probably one of the few Western artists – or artists from the United States – that could be considered a true product of his time and brought out that kind of spirit of the culture.

You see so many people doing quite nice and respectful work, but nobody like Warhol. Warhol is outstanding. I think he has a value that is far from fully understood. He’s very special for younger generations.

I think of art as coming from daily life, daily experience. I think it’s very important not to have it become work for some kind of elite circle.

I’m not a writer, but today I think you have to be everything. As an artist you have an obligation to let people know what is on your mind and why you’re doing this.

It doesn’t matter where I am – China will stay in me. I don’t know how far I can still walk on this road and what is the limit.