The Internet is the best thing that ever happened to China. It turns us into individuals and also enables us to share our perceptions and feelings. It creates a culture of individualism and exchange even though the real society doesn't promote it. There isn't a single Chinese university that can invite me to give a talk. Even though I know there are many students who would like to hear what I have to say.

My angst and my insecurity reflect the state's angst and insecurity. The state is scared too.

Everything is art. Everything is politics.

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

Even though everybody who looked at me would call me a Chinese artist, that's the 1980s. New York in the '80s was not so interesting. I think it's quite narrow-minded. There wasn't much encouragement or opportunities for any artist - not just Chinese artists.

Everyone thinks the Chinese government selected me. Never ever. I was selected by Herzog and de Meuron.

I was an illegal alien for many, many years. I couldn't move. If I moved I could not even get a visa back.