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

To what degree does it help us to change our life, or even to sense our existence, to really evaluate “why?” I think those questions cannot be escaped. Sometimes in history it’s more hidden; somewhere these can be very personal and individual questions. But in certain times and certain places, your existence has to be associated with other people’s situations. You have to make a reaction to the living conditions. It’s not avoidable. You cannot just be blind about what is happening there. Such is the case in China.

I want to prove that the system is not working. . . . . You can’t simply say that the system is not working. You have to work through it

Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I don’t feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy.