Chinese authorities stopped the exportation of a painting by the great artist Huang Yan, considering it “offensive” to Mao Zedong. The painting should have been exhibited in Paris but it seems that it will not leave China since it was held as profane towards the historical leader.

Mao Zedong’s iconography is a question of extreme importance for the Chinese government that like all totalitarian regimes imposes a huge respect for the representation of the charismatic leader. During these past few days only, news arrived of the great painting of Mao that dominated Tiananmen square. It was damaged by an act of vandalism after which the police had actually closed access to the prohibited city in the centre of Pechino. The act may have been carried out by a man that was quickly arrested by authorities. The last time that something like this had happened, the criminals were condemned to ten years imprisonment.

The image of Mao therefore brought an important issue to light, and all the forces put to use in order to protect his respect seemed to be acknowledged by the system. The artistic value of the piece was not important, in fact it was a marginal fact with respect to the political needs.

The meticulousness of Chinese customs is already noted in the art world. A few weeks ago a similar thing happened to Damien Hirst: his cow was blocked by customs for the fear of mad cow disease. The difficulty that characterises Chinese officials to even distinguish meat destined for consumption and that of art is therefore clear. What a surprise then when the customs officer stopped the exportation of an artwork that represents Mao in an “inappropriate” way.

Chinese authorities have therefore held that they didn’t want to allow the Huang Yan painting to leave national boarders. In the work, the Chinese artist shows Mao Zedong’s face upon which a landscape is painted. The thing that then struck authorities the most seems to be the fact that the artist had decided to paint an autumnal landscape, symbolising the sunset, rather than spring.

The work isn’t of a new genre for the artist who precisely because of his “Chinese Landscapes” series, was called to the attention of western critics. His work really began to be noticed in 1999 when he began the series of works in which he depicted landscapes on people’s bodies; in these works the artist knew how to skilfully capture the clash between traditional Chinese culture and contemporary culture.

Since then the western market began to recognise him and appreciate him, allowing him to achieve good results at auction, and assuring him the presence of his works in numerous shows. His record at auction was achieved in 2006 for the work “Chinese Landscapes - Tattoo” sold by Christie’s New York for 78,000 dollars (estimated 50,000 – 70,000 dollars). The amount is interesting in the Chinese photography market, which for the moment hasn’t yet achieved surprisingly high prices. Different personal exhibitions were dedicated to the artist, that of which to be noted is “ Huang Yan Photography” at the Michele Mosko Fine Art in Denver or “ Photographs” at the Priska C. Juschka Fine Art New York.

Admiration for Huang Yan is also growing in Italy where in recent months various exhibitions have been organised in which his works were central pieces. Of the latest events organised, let’s note “Body” at the Casoria Conemporary Art Museum in Naples. Again in Naples, the exhibition “China is near” has recently finished that was held at the Palazzo delle Arti. Moreover the artist was present at the Museo di Villacroce in Genoa for the China Contemporary Art exhibit. Last year, the Marella Contemporary Art gallery, an important Milanese gallery that opened a site in Pechino time ago and follows Chinese artists with interest, organised an exhibition of the most recent works by the artist on occasion of the launch of a monographic volume dedicated to him.

In short, notable interest is being stirred around Huang Yan which even the French from acute observations, cannot refuse to ignore.

The exhibition that would have been dedicated to him is entitled “Unusual”. It’s part of a collective art show that will be presented next month at the Albert Benamou gallery. The work however will not be there, the Chinese assessment is final.