The Art Newspaper, one of the world’s most prestigious art publications, reported that Ullens “is to hand over the management of the art gallery and look for long-term partners,” leave his art gallery in Beijing behind and focus on collecting pieces by young artists, “with [a] focus on Indian rather than Chinese artists.”

    With locals and art mavens hotly debating the article, UCCA issued its own statement, quashing speculation and pointing out that the SHK sale was by the Ullens Foundation. The Foundation and UCCA “are separate organizations,” UCCA said, adding that the sale should not be linked to UCCA’s operation in China.

    “In the coming years, UCCA will continue to develop, evolve and achieve,” the statement continues. “UCCA remains committed to bringing the public high-quality exhibitions of Chinese and global contemporary art, promoting contemporary cultural understanding and serving as a bridge between China and the world.”

    Other news that put the art center in limelight was the cancelation of Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei’s exhibition. The exhibition, which had been planned for nearly two years was due to open next month at UCCA, was scrapped because the artist was considered politically “too sensitive,” according to the artist himself in an interview with The Telegraph on Tuesday. However, UCCA blamed the cancelation on preparations for the exhibits not being completed on time. (SD-Agencies)