I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
It became like a symbolic thing, to be “an artist.” After Duchamp, I realized that being an artist is more about a lifestyle and attitude than producing some product.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being an artist is defined more by one's lifestyle and attitude than by the creation of tangible artworks.
Ai Weiwei's quote reflects the idea that the essence of being an artist transcends conventional notions of art creation. It emphasizes that the identity of an artist is rooted in one's approach to life and their perspective on the world, rather than merely the physical products they create. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace the artistic mindset in everyday living.
Themes
ArtistLifestyleAttitudeArtisticExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity at a university, one could emphasize Ai Weiwei's perspective on what it truly means to be an artist.
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes →Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
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If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
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Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
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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.
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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.
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