If artists cannot speak up for human dignity or rights, then who else will do it?

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.

I’m an artist who is always looking for what is possible. I’m always looking to extend the boundaries.

Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something.

Each year, more people want to become artists.

To call yourself a Chinese artist or woman artist or African artist reflects a certain kind of condition. To me, that is not necessary.

I don't think [price] reflects if the work is good or bad.A good artist shouldn't be nervous about that.

Even though everybody who looked at me would call me a Chinese artist, that's the 1980s. New York in the '80s was not so interesting. I think it's quite narrow-minded. There wasn't much encouragement or opportunities for any artist - not just Chinese artists.

I lived there [ in New York City] as an artist, but never as a Chinese artist.