If human rights are supposed to have any meaning, then they have to be discussed openly.

It's really rubbish that some kind of "technical" learning means you will be a better person because you know this skill better.

For artists and intellectuals today, what is most needed is to be clear about social responsibility, because that is what most people automatically give up. Just to protect yourself as an individual is very political. You don't have to march on Tiananmen, but you do have to be clear-minded, to find your own means of expression.

Once you've tasted freedom, it stays in your heart and no one can take it. Then, you can be more powerful than a whole country.

All movies in China are censored. Out of 600 movies produced in China, only 60 are allowed to show in theatres.

I don't think China should care if this crazy old guy should have a show here or not. You have so many museums in the West, and so many shows, you need somebody to show the work, otherwise it's empty.

I think art is a very important weapon to achieve human freedom