This collection of quotes demonstrates the elegant simplicity of Ai Weiweis thoughts on key aspects of his art; politics; and life. A master at communicating powerful ideas in astonishingly few words; Ai Weiwei is known for his innovative use of social media to disseminate his views. The short quotations presented here have been carefully selected from articles; tweets; and interviews given by this acclaimed Chinese artist and activist. The book is organized into six categories: freedom of expression; art and activism; government; power; and moral choices; the digital world; history; the historical moment; and the future; and personal reflections. Together; these quotes span some of the most revealing moments of Ai Weiweis eventful career--from his risky investigation into student deaths in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake to his arbitrary arrest in 2011--providing a window into the mind of one of the worlds most electrifying and courageous contemporary artists. Select Quotes from the Book: ? On Freedom of Expression "Say what you need to say plainly; and then take responsibility for it." "A small act is worth a million thoughts." "Liberty is about our rights to question everything." On Art and Activism "Everything is art. Everything is politics." "The art always wins. Anything can happen to me; but the art will stay." "Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I dont feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy." On Government; Power; and Making Moral Choice? "Once youve tasted freedom; it stays in your heart and no one can take it. Then; you can be more powerful than a whole country." "I feel powerless all the time; but I regain my energy by making a very small difference that wont cost me much." "Tips on surviving the regime: Respect yourself and speak for others. Do one small thing every day to prove the existence of justice." On the Digital Worl? "Only with the Internet can a peasant I have never met hear my voice and I can learn whats on his mind. A fairy tale has come true." "The Internet is uncontrollable. And if the Internet is uncontrollable; freedom will win. Its as simple as that." "The Internet is the best thing that could have happened to China." On History; the Historical Moment; and the Futur? "If a nation cannot face its past; it has no future." "We need to get out of the old language." "The world is a sphere; there is no East or West." Personal Reflection? "Ive never planned any part of my career-- except being an artist. And I was pushed into that corner because I thought being an artist was the only way to have a little freedom." "Anyone fighting for freedom does not want to totally lose their freedom." "Expressing oneself is like a drug. Im so addicted to it."
#3081401 in eBooks 2012-09-14 2012-09-14File Name: B009M98ENK
Review
