We have to give our opinion, we have to say something, or we are a part of it. As an artist I am forced to say something. - Ai Weiwei

Living in a system under the Communist ideology, an artist cannot avoid fighting for freedom of expression. You always have to be aware that art is not only a self-expression but a demonstration of human rights and dignity. To express yourself freely, a right as personal as it is, has always been difficult, given the political situation.

Choices after waking up: To be true or to lie? To take action or be brainwashed? To be free or be jailed?

They [the government] cannot stop people from communicating freely, to get information and to express themselves. When they do that, this nation is not a right place to live. They sacrifice generations of people’s opportunities. This is a crime.