Even if I have hundreds of things to do, the disconnected feeling is still there because it is very hard to find a real purpose of life.

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.

I think optimism is whether you are still exhilarated by life, whether you are curious, whether you still believe there is possibility.

Censorship is saying: "I'm the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine." But the internet is like a tree that is growing. The people will always have the last word – even if someone has a very weak, quiet voice. Such power will collapse because of a whisper.

For years, I refused to go to any openings, not even my own.

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

It is not an easy job to govern China, I am aware of that.