Ai Weiwei, a prominent Chinese artist, has withdrawn from a scheduled participation in an art exhibition in Demark. The decision, which was announced on Jan. 27, was due to a Danish policy regarding asylum seekers, according to a report by the Global Times.
Ai made the announcement on popular social networking site Instagram, saying he was shocked when he heard about the Danish government's proposal to confiscate the assets of asylum seekers.
"This [bill] has left me no choice but to withdraw from the 'A New Dynasty--Created in China' art exhibition as a sign of my protest toward the shameless decision made by the Danish government," Ai said.
The exhibit will also showcase artworks from 25 Chinese contemporary artists. It has been hosted by Aros since November of last year.
According to a news article by BBC News, the Danish parliament gave support to a new migrant policy that seeks to confiscate valuables worth over 10,000 kroners or $1,500 from asylum seekers. The confiscated assets are planned to cover food and housing costs.
Erlend Hoyersten, director of the Aros art museum located in Aarhus, Denmark, expressed shock upon hearing about Ai's decision.
"We are not a government-run museum. What we do is not overseen by the government in terms of content. . . . I am a bit surprised that the art museum has become a symbol of the government of Denmark," Hoyersten said in a phone interview with the Global Times on Wednesday.
"He of all people should know that you can't make [ordinary] people be responsible for the government's decisions," Hoyersten said, adding that Ai's withdrawal from the art exhibition denies Aros' audience to see and experience his work.
Art, according to Hoyersten, is more important than ever in Denmark, what with all the social, economic and political changes that are sweeping the region.
"You need art pieces that are challenging and open. Aros is an important part of that," said Hoyersten.
Hoyersten cleared the matter, however, saying that Aros is still open to any future cooperation or collaboration with the renowned Chinese artist. "But, of course, when these things happen, we have to learn from it."