To work in architecture you are so much involved with society, with politics, with bureaucrats. It's a very complicated process to do large projects. You start to see the society, how it functions, how it works. Then you have a lot of criticism about how it works.

The purpose of art is the fight for freedom.

Through my work and ways of expression, I strive to engage in dialogue with the society that I am living in.

I often feel more disgust than pride about this kind of success. So there's no regret whatsoever.

I came back [to Beijing ] because that's the only time I had an excuse to come back, or otherwise I would never have a reason to come back.

[Museums] all belongs to the cultural department, which is the biggest cultural department in the world.

My situation gives me certain ideas about beauty or the excitement of life, but that doesn't mean other people can necessarily appreciate it.