Ai Weiwei Artist Quotations

People are always wondering if I am an artist or political activist or politician. Maybe I'll just clearly tell you: Whatever I do is not art. Let's say it is just objects or materials, movies or writing, but not art, OK?

I'm not a writer, but today I think you have to be everything. As an artist you have an obligation to let people know what is on your mind and why you're doing this.

Warhol came from an ordinary family and he had a profound understanding about capitalism and material culture. He was probably one of the few Western artists - or artists from the United States - that could be considered a true product of his time and brought out that kind of spirit of the culture.

Artists are the worst [people]. They are selfish, self-centred; they don't care what happens.

I’m an artist who is always looking for what is possible. I’m always looking to extend the boundaries.

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.

If artists cannot speak up for human dignity or rights, then who else will do it?

I think it’s a responsibility for any artist to protect freedom of expression and to use any way to extend this power.

Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something.

We have to give our opinion, we have to say something, or we are a part of it. As an artist I am forced to say something.