French Government Blocks Matisse Exhibition in Beijing Over China's Russia Stance

A significant exhibition featuring Henri Matisse has been halted from launching in Beijing due to French authorities blocking loans from the Matisse Museum. Titled Matisse by Matisse, the exhibition was slated to open on 26 March at the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing before moving to UCCA's Shanghai venue. Officials in northern France opted not to engage in cultural partnerships with Chinese entities, citing China's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. China abstained from the UN General Assembly vote condemning Russia and has backed Vladimir Putin's criticisms of NATO expansion. The Matisse Museum, established in 1952 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, was expected to provide 280 works for what was billed as the largest Matisse exhibition in China, but French lenders withdrew, leading to the show's cancellation.