I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics. The intention to separate [the two] is itself a very political intention.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Art is intrinsically linked to freedom of expression and is influenced by politics.
Ai Weiwei emphasizes that art is fundamentally a form of freedom of expression, one that cannot be divorced from the political context in which it exists. His assertion that attempts to separate art from politics are themselves politically motivated underlines the power dynamics inherent in artistic creation and its reception.
Themes
ArtFreedomExpressionPoliticsIntention
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech promoting local artists, I might say, 'As Ai Weiwei states, art is about freedom of expression and is inseparable from politics.'
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes →Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
Ai WeiweiRead
If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
Ai WeiweiRead
Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
Ai WeiweiRead
As a human being, member of society, you must clearly state your mind. It's a responsibility. It is the way you identify yourself otherwise you don't know who you are and why you are here.
Ai WeiweiRead
I am very much interested in the so-called useless object. I mean, it takes perfect craftsmanship, beautiful material carefully measured and crafted, but at the same time it’s really useless.
Ai WeiweiRead
Similar quotes
Am I a guy who writes about himself in a comic book, or am I just a character in that book? If I die, will that character keep going, or will he just fade away?
Harvey PekarRead
Drama is real life with all the boring parts cut out.
Alfred HitchcockRead
Yes, I am the first Latino poet laureate in the United States. But I'm also here for everyone and from everyone. My voice is made by everyone's voices.
Juan Felipe HerreraRead
Labels like 'Chinese Science Fiction' or 'Western Science Fiction' summarize a vast field of work, all of which are diverse and driven by individual authors, with individual concerns.
Ken LiuRead
There's something inimical about the camera and song.
Stephen SondheimRead
I've attended many concerts where I felt let down and I was wishing it would be something else. Not that it's their duty to please me, but at the same time, I think a lot about what it's like through the eyes of the consumer, the fan. I want not to pander to the audience, but to be aware of them.
Trent ReznorRead