The dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is to withdraw from two exhibitions in Denmark in protest at a controversial migration law passed by
ADVERTISEMENTThe dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is to withdraw from two exhibitions in Denmark in protest at a controversial migration law passed by parliament this week. It allows for the confiscation of asylum seekers’ valuables to pay for their upkeep.
The closures include his Ruptures exhibition at the Faurschou Foundation in Copenhagen.
The Foundation’s owner Jens Faurschou, while disappointed, has backed the artist’s decision.
Ai Weiwei Closes Danish Exhibition Three Months Early In Protest Of New Refugee Law https://t.co/2zIXgiVQBmpic.twitter.com/2kQOCyoLff
— PAPER Magazine (@papermagazine) January 28, 2016
Faurschou said: “He has now one of the biggest voices in the world, globally and he uses that voice and I think that’s very good.”
Earlier this month Ai was on the Greek island of Lesbos where thousands of migrants have either landed in overcrowded boats or died in the attempt as they flee war or poverty.
Ai who is known for his criticism of China’s human rights record said he had been shocked that the Danish government had decided to seize refugees’ private property.