Chinese artists caught between Beijing, desire for Western success

Director Lou Ye is pictured during a photo call for the film "An Unfinished Film," presented as part of Special Screenings at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 17, 2024. From left, producer Philippe Bober, producer Yingli Ma, director Lou Ye, actor Hao Qin and actor Huang Xuan are pictured during a photo call for "An Unfinished Film" at the Cannes Film Festival in France, May 17, 2024. FILE - Chinese artist Ai Weiwei takes pictures in front of his pieces displayed during the press preview for the exhibition "Ai Weiwei: Making Sense" at the Design Museum in London, April 4, 2023. FILE - In this May 30, 2019, photo, a computer screen shows web content from outside China, including a clip of Chinese singer Li Zhi singing his song "The Square."

Chinese artists walk a tightrope when trying to create content acceptable to Beijing’s standards while attempting to seek success among Western audiences. More than one artist who has gained recognition in the West has been punished by Chinese censors, with Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye being the most recent case.