Brescia Mayor Defies China's Demand to Cancel Badiucao Exhibition

The Chinese government has called for the cancellation of Badiucao's solo exhibition, "La Cina (non) è vicina," set to take place at Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia, Italy, from November 13, 2021, to February 13, 2022. This exhibition, curated by Elettra Stamboulis, marks Badiucao's inaugural solo show in Italy. The Chinese embassy criticized his artwork as "anti-Chinese lies," claiming it misrepresents the truth to the Italian public and offends Chinese sentiments. However, Mayor Emilio Del Bono and Francesca Bazoli rejected this demand, asserting that the exhibition is integral to a contemporary art initiative focused on human suffering and freedom of expression. Rossella Prestini confirmed the event will move forward, highlighting Italy's dedication to political satire. The exhibition is a key feature of the Festival della Pace, running from November 12 to 26, 2021.