I'm sorry if the following sounds combative and excessively personal, but that's my general style.
My hope is that the Chinese government will come to realise that it is futile to repress free speech, and that contrary to what they believe a regime's strength rests not its suppression of a plurality of opinions and ideas, but in its capacity and willingness to encourage them.
A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.