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. Art should live in the heart of the people. Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don’t think art is elite or mysterious. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate art from politics is itself a very political intention.

There are no outdoor sports as graceful as throwing stones at a dictatorship.

So-called Chinese art and culture is under control of the Party. They exist to serve the official agenda. I call it fake art and culture.

Behind every political deal in this country, the first casualties are always the ordinary people, who are barely treated as human.

Society becomes very destructive.

What is important is that we actively express our thoughts and wishes, in every realm that we can access.

If I walk on the street, if I go to a restaurant, people come to me and say: "Can we take a photo together? Can you give me your autograph?" They would bring their expensive Armani or Prada wallet to sign. Other people who are desperate show me a photo of their dead daughter and ask: Can you support me? I tell them: How can I? Morally, of course, I sympathize with you. But I cannot support you and you cannot support me. This is the condition of this society. We are separated.