Andy Warhol & Ma Baozhong

Date: 2008

Region: Asia

Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion

Medium: Painting


Artist: Andy Warhol at Galleri Faurschou & Ma Baozhong at Xin Beijing Art Gallery

Confronting Bodies: The Chinese Government

Date of Action: July 2008

Location: Beijing, China

Description of Artwork: Paintings of Olympic athletes by Andy Warhol; Paintings depicting the Dalai Lama and former Chinese President Jiang Zemin by Ma Baozhong

The Incident: Chinese government officials made the two art gallerys postpone the openings of the exhibits, because they did not feel that attention to Western art was appropriated during a monumental event in China, like the Olympic Games. Also, they were uncomfortable with the depictions of the Dalai Lama and Jiang Zemin by Ma, because they are highly politicized figures.

Results of Incident: The galleries are complying with the government's orders. No further action is reported.

Source: Raw Art Weblog (rawartint.wordpress.com)