"The Chinese art world does not exist. In a society that restricts individual freedoms and violates human rights, anything that calls itself creative or independent is a pretence. It is impossible for a totalitarian society to create anything with passion and imagination."
Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist and activist known for conceptual art, installation work, and political commentary. His projects have been exhibited internationally across major museums and biennales. He is also recognized for criticism of state censorship and human-rights abuses.