When I look at the objects that I draw, it seems to me so obvious about the contemporary world - these are our world.

In my early work I didn't use much colour. I had no confidence about how I could do this.

I don't like the idea of nationalism, but on the other hand, I do see that there is a difference between British art, German art and Chinese art. This is because of the history, because each country has different history and each country reads and teaches that history differently.

I do think I paid a price as an artist, and I am trying to make up for it now - I work six days a week in the studio, and I've never been happier.

There is a complete difference between art and the art market. Prices are high now for the simple reason that there are people are willing to pay them. The market dominates the art world today because at the moment collectors call the shots. Like everything else that won't last forever.

In Britain the power of authority was weakened. There was much more individual freedom and there was great academic freedom.

I think the best approach is not to be too much like the thing that they are referring to, see it as a guide.