I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the beauty and significance of craftsmanship in art, even when the objects produced may lack practical utility.
Ai Weiwei's quote reflects a profound appreciation for the aesthetic qualities and the creative process involved in art, even when the resulting objects are deemed 'useless.' It suggests that the value of art lies not solely in its functionality, but in the beauty, effort, and intention behind its creation. This perspective invites us to rethink the purpose of art and appreciate its intrinsic qualities, encouraging a deeper engagement with creative expressions that challenge conventional notions of usefulness.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In an art exhibition focused on abstract sculptures, this quote could be used to introduce a piece that challenges viewers' perceptions of utility.
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes βSelf-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
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.
The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
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When I first heard music, I thought it should be very clean, very precise. Something that people could understand, something that was beautiful.
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It was an accident, although I've been involved in some kind of theatrical function or other since I was a child - in school, music, athletics. To me, acting is the most logical way for people's neuroses to manifest themselves, in this great need we all have to express ourselves. To my way of thinking, an actor's course is set even before he's out of the cradle.
I think music is the greatest art form that exists, and I think people listen to music for different reasons, and it serves different purposes. Some of it is background music, and some of it is things that might affect a person's day, if not their life, or change an attitude. The best songs are the ones that make you feel something.