A Conversation with Ai Weiwei, the Disappointed “Bird’s Nest” Designer

Following up on yesterday’s story of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium designer Ai Weiwei complaining about the Chinese government’s handling of the upcoming Olympics, we ran into this interview with the designer in the NY Times, talking about both the construction of the National Stadium (its proper name) and much, much more on his political views. Here’s a bit:

Q: Are you going to the opening ceremony?

Ai: I’m not attending the opening ceremony, I’m not interested in it, and I haven’t received any invitation. If I need to be more clear on why I’m not willing to be part of the ceremony, it’s that I think it’s too far from the spirit of freedom. I’ve always thought of this ceremony as a product of government bureaucracy, rather than a natural celebration and expression generated among free citizens. I feel that there are too many regrets in this ceremony, which could make me unhappy.

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.