They have to have an enemy. They have to create you as their enemy in order for them to continue their existence. It’s very ironic. - Ai Weiwei

The only reason they put me in jail is my involvement in politics, my criticism of the authorities. Later the excuse for my detention became my “tax problem.” But internally they never told me anything about it. I don’t want to underestimate their intelligence, but up to this day I think what they did is very stupid. In fact, they even helped me in an ironic sense. They gave me a chance to explain what is happening with this system. They provided such a platform for me.

I cannot ever accept the kind of conditions where you can sacrifice someone’s rights.

Art is not an end but a beginning.