Shanghai-born Badiucao, who produces drawings critical of Chinese political figures, had planned to hold his first international solo exhibition in the city
A political cartoonist whose works satirise leaders of mainland China and Hong Kong called off his first international solo exhibition in the city one day before its opening, as event organisers claimed he had received threats from Chinese authorities.
On Friday afternoon, the website Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) – one of three co-organisers of the exhibition of artist Badiucao’s work – announced the cancellation, citing “safety concerns”.
“The decision follows threats made by the Chinese authorities relating to the artist,” the statement said without providing further information.
Patrick Poon Kar-wai, researcher of another organiser, Amnesty International, said: “Badiucao told the HKFP… he was under pressure, and his exhibition, as well as the opening ceremony on Saturday evening must therefore be cancelled.”
The source and nature of the threats were unclear as the organisers declined to reveal further information, citing “lack of knowledge” and the artist’s own request.
Badiucao, a Shanghai-born and Australia-based cartoonist who produced drawings critical of Chinese current affairs and political figures, was supposed to display his works highlighting “portraits of political leaders, exhibits of torture equipment and iconic Hong Kong neon blended together” for 11 days from Saturday in a co-working space in Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island.
