If there is no freedom of expression, then the beauty of life is lost. Participation in a society is not an artistic choice, it’s a human need. - Ai Weiwei

Nothing can silence me as long as I am alive. I don’t give any kind of excuse. If I cannot come out [of China] or I cannot go in [to China] this is not going to change my belief. But when I am there, I am in this condition: I see it, I see people who need help. Then you know, I just want to offer my possibility to help them.

I think I have this responsibility to my father’s generation, and especially future generations.

'Why are you so concerned about society?' That is always the question. And my answer is simple: 'Because you are an artist, you have to associate yourself with freedom of expression.'