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.
Ai WeiweiSo-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.
Ai WeiweiIf there is no freedom of expression, then the beauty of life is lost. Participation in a society is not an artistic choice, itโs a human need.
Ai WeiweiI don't think [price] reflects if the work is good or bad.A good artist shouldn't be nervous about that.
Ai WeiweiNationality started as something natural, but we should not be restrained by the old politics that make up these clear lines. It should have its own way of evolving. In some places, it will evolve slower and in others, faster. It's like the mountains, the ocean and the rivers. It has its own geological forms. Societies cannot be flat. But during change, human rights, human dignity and free speech have to be protected. Otherwise, we'll be going backward.
Ai Weiwei