A nation that has no music and no fairytales is a tragedy.

Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.

I don't think I was very structured in that society and I don't really believe in personal success, which most Americans believe in.

China restricts the society's freedom of speech. The Communist Party imposes these limits because it lacks confidence towards the future and has no ideals. Nowadays, China is experiencing the detrimental effects of such decisions. Its citizens have no creativity.

This week, the world gathers in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic games. This is the extraordinary moment China has been dreaming of for 100 years. People have been longing for this moment, because it symbolises a turning point in China's relationship with the outside world.

I think of art as coming from daily life, daily experience. I think it's very important not to have it become work for some kind of elite circle.

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.