The society was so different [in China] - it was a feudalistic society. It didn't come to a point of industrial revolution until twenty years ago.

The rest of the world understands little about China's changes and the possibilities and crises that come with them.

Nationality started as something natural, but we should not be restrained by the old politics that make up these clear lines. It should have its own way of evolving. In some places, it will evolve slower and in others, faster. It's like the mountains, the ocean and the rivers. It has its own geological forms. Societies cannot be flat. But during change, human rights, human dignity and free speech have to be protected. Otherwise, we'll be going backward.

No matter what happens, nothing can prevent the historical process by which society demands freedom and democracy.

If we all say the same thing, then I think the government has to listen. But because no one is saying it, I become singled out, even though what I'm saying is common sense. It's very essential values that we all have to protect. But in Chinese society, people are giving up on protecting these values.

I think by shattering it we can create a new form, a new way to look at what is valuable — how we decide what is valuable.

My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate [the two] is itself a very political intention.