The brother of my grandfather was the patriarch of the Orthodox Church and revered as a saint. So everything in my childhood is about total sacrifice, whether to religion or to communism. This is what is engraved on me. This is why I have this insane willpower. My body is now beginning to be falling apart, but I will do it to the end. I don't care. With me it is about whatever it takes.

I realise the power of art that does not hang on the walls of galleries.

Happiness comes from the full understanding of your own being.

People ask me what book politicians should read. They should read the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Artists should never think of themselves as an idol. Fame is a side effect of one's work.

Television is completely another medium. For me, Lady Gaga and HBO are bringing us to mass culture.

I really like dark, politically incorrect humor.