Beijing is constructing a 100,000 m2 modern art museum, yet it will not feature any of my work.

I curated this show [Shanghai Biennale ], I was by no means trying to shock people or be controversial.

Every day I'm learning something new from the practice. It's very rewarding.

Dictatorship is a story about death of others who turn out to be you coincidently.

My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall. Art should live in the heart of the people. Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don’t think art is elite or mysterious. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention.

China and the U.S. are two societies with very different attitudes towards opinion and criticism. In China, I am constantly under surveillance. Even my slightest, most innocuous move can - and often is - censored by Chinese authorities.

It [success] is really by mistake.