I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
For artists and intellectuals today, what is most needed is to be clear about social responsibility, because that is what most people automatically give up. Just to protect yourself as an individual is very political. You don't have to march on Tiananmen, but you do have to be clear-minded, to find your own means of expression.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists and intellectuals should embrace their social responsibility and clear-minded expression.
In this quote, Ai Weiwei emphasizes the importance of social responsibility among artists and intellectuals. He argues that while many individuals may surrender their responsibility to society out of self-preservation, it is crucial for creative minds to recognize their roles and express themselves clearly regarding social issues, even if they don't take overt political action.
Themes
ArtSocial ResponsibilityExpressionIntellectualsPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
Citing this quote at an art exhibition to inspire discussion on the role of artists in society.
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes βSelf-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 itβs really useless.
Ai WeiweiRead
Similar quotes
The work of black creatives seems to always get undermined in one way or another, and that's what this new generation is actively changing by speaking up. We aren't accepting group categorization and group classifications to describe our work anymore - it just leads to group dismissal.
Kerby Jean-RaymondRead
From the very beginning, I was very interested just in light, and art seemed to be a way to work with it.
James TurrellRead
Some poems present themselves as cliffs that need to be climbed. Others are so defensive that when you approach their enclosure you half expect to be met by a snarling dog at the gate. Still others want to smother you with their sticky charms.
Stanley KunitzRead
People expect things from art that are horrible for us who make it! They put the things we make in these restrictive places called 'museums,' then don't want to hear another word from us.
Sigmar PolkeRead
I can see myself as a very old man in a terrific wheelchair. Only, I won't be photographing the tree outside my window, the way Steichen did. I'll be photographing other old people.
Richard AvedonRead
Novels attempt to render human experience; that's really all they are. They are meant to convey empathy for the character.
Sue Monk KiddRead