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 have to find a place for my own. I have to search for my own happiness.

I'm totally independent. I don't bear any responsibility to any system.

I think optimism is whether you are still exhilarated by life, whether you are curious, whether you still believe there is possibility.

All the rich people collect traditional Chinese art. So it's very natural for Chinese families to still see art as the highest human performance and send their children to this field.

I think Allen [Ginsberg] was a person who's like a child.

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