Ai Weiwei Quotes, born August 28, 1957, in Beijing, China, is a renowned contemporary artist and activist whose provocative works challenge authoritarianism and champion human rights. Exiled as a youth with his poet father, Ai Qing, during China’s Cultural Revolution, he later collaborated on the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympics but became a vocal critic of the Chinese government, facing 81 days of detention in 2011 for alleged “economic crimes.” His art spans sculpture, photography, and installations, including Sunflower Seeds (2010), while his activism addresses censorship and corruption, notably the Sichuan earthquake school scandal. These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, interviews, public statements, and posts on X—reflect his fearless commitment to freedom, creativity, and justice, capturing his bold and defiant spirit.
15 Ai Weiwei Quotes
- “Without freedom of speech, there is no modern world, just a barbaric one.” (Ai Weiwei’s Blog: Writings, Interviews, and Digital Rants, 2006-2009, 2011)
- “If my art has nothing to do with people’s pain and sorrow, what is ‘art’ for?” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Creativity is the power to reject the past, to change the status quo, and to seek new potential.” (Interview, QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I call on people to be ‘obsessed citizens,’ forever questioning and asking for accountability.” (Ai Weiwei Speaks, 2011)
- “Censorship is saying: ‘I’m the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine.’” (Interview, QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “A small act is worth a million thoughts.” (Interview, InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
- “Everything is art. Everything is politics.” (Weiwei-isms, 2012)
- “I was in jail 81 days, but after 20 days my brain became completely empty; you need information to stay alive.” (Ai Weiwei, 2013)
- “The art always wins. Anything can happen to me, but the art will stay.” (Interview, TheCiteSite.com, n.d.)
- “Liberty is about our rights to question everything.” (Interview, InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
- “My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication.” (Interview, SarahRansomeArt.com, 2023)
- “I wouldn’t say I’ve become more radical: I was born radical.” (Interview, New Yorker, 2010)
- “An artwork unable to make people feel uncomfortable or to feel different is not one worth creating.” (Ai Weiwei’s Blog: Writings, Interviews, and Digital Rants, 2006-2009, 2011)
- “There are no outdoor sports as graceful as throwing stones at a dictatorship.” (Interview, Complex.com, 2012)
- “Being an artist means forever healing your own wounds and at the same time endlessly exposing them.” (Post on X, @dotartproject, 2025-05-29)
Ai Weiwei’s quotes ignite a fierce passion for freedom, art, and accountability, urging readers to challenge oppression and embrace creative defiance. Which one sparks your rebellious spirit? Drop it in the comments and keep his fearless legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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