I spent a lot of time standing on street corners [of New York City] talking to local residents. I spent time in bookstores and galleries. But most of the time, I really did not have much to do.

It's always nice to share your energy with young people, the people who might not have any skills but are simply willing to be a part of it.

If a society cannot even support somebody like me, then people ask: Who is under protection then? That's why there is such support for me. It is not because I am so beautiful or I am so charming. People feel: This guy is fighting for us.

I also doubt a man can give really clear reasons for anything.

Each year, more people want to become artists.

It doesn't matter where I am - China will stay in me. I don't know how far I can still walk on this road and what is the limit.

The United States is a melting pot. Like John F. Kennedy said, it's a nation of immigrants. But Donald Trump wants to build a fence that clearly makes the statement: "You and I are divided. We're different, and you're dangerous." That kind of thinking stops human, civilized evolution. It's dangerous to create that kind of tension.