The strongest characteristic of art is that it belongs to the individual. Art is an expression of individualism and the opposite of oppressive dogma.
— Ai WeiweiChinese Artist & Dissident; Prominent Human Rights Activist and Political Critic
“You know those people starving in Africa? Pretty soon, they are going to be able to call us… to complain. There are people who are likely to have cheap access to reliable International phone calls before they have cheap access to a reliable food supply. That's a remarkable thing to contemplate.”— Jimmy Wales
The quote archive
A growing archive of 3,000+ moments, drawn from every interview.
The strongest characteristic of art is that it belongs to the individual. Art is an expression of individualism and the opposite of oppressive dogma.
— Ai WeiweiChinese Artist & Dissident; Prominent Human Rights Activist and Political Critic
Had I not defended it and stood by it, I think it could have disappeared into history- but because I protected it, stood up for it, believed in it and understood why it existed and what it had done? That's why it still remains.
— Tracey EminBritish artist known for provocative conceptual and autobiographical works
There's a beauty in the truth which is undeniable. It's a tragedy in a way- sometimes we just need to understand what the hell we've truly lost.
— Tracey EminBritish artist known for provocative conceptual and autobiographical works
True art, real art, real creativity, comes from somewhere else. It isn't about a picture or decoration- there's a divinity to it…
— Tracey EminBritish artist known for provocative conceptual and autobiographical works
Most people would have a nervous breakdown if they didn't have their phone for a day; I would have a total breakdown if there was no culture, no art. I couldn't live without art, it would be impossible.
— Tracey EminBritish artist known for provocative conceptual and autobiographical works
Art is a vocation for me, not a career, not a job… you wouldn't say to a nun. 'so, how did you get into God?'
— Tracey EminBritish artist known for provocative conceptual and autobiographical works
If you can be as open with your heart as possible, humans will feel that intimacy from any distance. Bob Dylan, even in a stadium of 20,000 people can choose a point to strip it down to a piano, and you feel it.
— Penn JilletteMagician, Illusionist & Half of Penn & Teller Duo
Because Peter Paul Rubens signed his name to his paintings (several of which were finished by his artisans), they commanded a higher price. Today, the famous contemporary glass artist, Dale Chihuly puts his name on every work of glass although he never makes any of it.
— Philip KotlerFather of Modern Marketing & Prolific Management Author
'Brand,' is what journalists and industry-people say… we say culture movement. As artists we say culture! Movement! And analysts say brand. I don't know what a brand is, but I know what a freakin' movement is….
— will.i.amGrammy-winning rapper, producer, and member of The Black Eyed Peas
A designer is a designer, whether you're designing a dress or a toothbrush. The integrity, skill and creativity are all the same.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
Diamonds are a miracle of nature, they are millions of years old, they survived a hazardous journey to the earth's surface and the discovery of them is an exciting moment. To see the rough diamond and then watch it come to life on the polisher's wheel with incredible fire and scintillation is incredibly inspiring.
— Laurence GraffFounder and Chairman of Graff Diamonds, luxury jeweler and gemstone merchant
Performance is a mental construction. You have to be present in your own body and mind, and when you achieve that presence, you can transcend physical and mental limitations.
— Marina AbramovićPerformance artist known for pushing boundaries of endurance and audience interaction
I think the fundamental thing about art is that it's a place where you can be honest about the human condition without having to be practical about it.
— Antony GormleyBritish sculptor known for large-scale iron body cast installations
The movements that sustain themselves the best over time are those that have culture at their core, that use art as a means of conveying a message, and use art-making as a means to mobilise a movement.
— L.A. KauffmanArt is necessary for the human mind. Art is about our dreams, fears, and imagination. Art is about everything outside of the system. It is a death sentence for art when it is within the system.
— Ai WeiweiChinese Artist & Dissident; Prominent Human Rights Activist and Political Critic
The strongest characteristic of art is that it belongs to the individual. Art is an expression of individualism and the opposite of oppressive dogma.
— Ai WeiweiChinese Artist & Dissident; Prominent Human Rights Activist and Political Critic