I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
Recently I danced in a video spoof of the song 'Gangnam Style,' and it was quickly banned across multiple Chinese online video platforms. But the story still traveled all over the world, carried in hundreds of international media reports.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creative expression can transcend censorship and reach a global audience.
Ai Weiwei's quote reflects on the power of art and creativity to break through barriers imposed by censorship. Despite his video being banned on Chinese platforms, its message reached a worldwide audience, illustrating how art can resonate beyond its original confines and spark conversations on freedom and expression.
Themes
ArtCensorshipExpressionGlobalMedia
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be a powerful introduction to a discussion on censorship in art during an academic presentation.
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.
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.
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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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