To survive, China had to open up to the West. It could not survive otherwise. This was after many millions have died of hunger in a country that was like North Korea is today. Once we became part of global competition, we had to agree to some rules. It's painful, but we had to. Otherwise there was no way to survive.

China partially wants to become part of the world. By hosting the Olympics and the Expo, they made a big effort to tell people: Look, we are the same. They want to be accepted by the international community.

All the rich people collect traditional Chinese art. So it's very natural for Chinese families to still see art as the highest human performance and send their children to this field.

Once you've tasted freedom, it stays in your heart...

I can still wake up the next day and feel that there's something that needs to be done, which always amuses me.

[Shanghai Biennale] has been my attitude for as long as I've been practicing art and other cultural-related activities.

The tragic reality of today is reflected in the true plight of our spiritual existence. We are spineless and cannot stand straight.