With love to Ai Weiwei! Here are photos from the recent exhibition at Seattle Art Museum, “Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei”, and a few inspiring quotes from him.

Postcard from Seattle Art Museum, courtesy of Ai Weiwei Studio, photo: Gao Yuan

“Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it. I don’t feel that much anger. I equally have a lot of joy.”

“Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn”, 1995

“I’ve 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.”

“Middle Finger”, 2000

“Study of Perspective”, 1995 – 2003

“Tips on surviving the regime: Respect yourself and speak for others. Do one small thing every day to prove the existence of justice.”

“Illumination”, 2019

“Say what you need to say plainly, and then take responsibility for it.”