Prominent Chinese artist Ai Weiwei announced on Wednesday that he will withdrawn from an art exhibition in Denmark, citing his strong opposition to the Danish government's controversial proposal to confiscate asylum seekers' assets. 

In a message posted on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Ai said he was shocked after learning about the Danish government's new migrant assets bill from the news. 

"This [bill] has left me no choice but to withdraw from the 'A New Dynasty -- Created In China' art exhibition as a sign of my protest toward the shameless decision made by the Danish government," Ai wrote.  

The Danish parliament has backed a controversial proposal to confiscate valuables worth more than 10,000 kroners ($1,500) from asylum seekers to cover housing and food costs, the BBC reported. 

Erlend Hoyersten, director of the Aros art museum in Aarhus, Denmark, which is hosting the exhibition, told the Global Times in a phone interview on Wednesday that he was surprised by Ai's decision to withdraw. 

"We are not a government-run museum. What we do is not overseen by the government in terms of content … I am a bit surprised that the art museum has become a symbol of the government of Denmark," Hoyersten said. 

He said Ai's decision to withdraw takes away the opportunity for Aros' audience to experience his work. "He of all people should know that you can't make [ordinary] people be responsible for the government's decisions." 

Hoyersten said there are now social, economic and political changes in Europe more than ever before and people need art pieces that are challenging and open.

He noted that Europe is experiencing social, economic and political changes. “You need art pieces that are challenging and open. Aros is an important part of that.”

Hoyersten said Ai's withdrawal will not jeopardize future cooperation, and said Aros will contact Ai's studio and try to find a solution. "But, of course, when these things happen, we have to learn from it."

The Global Times could not reach Ai for comment. 

"A New Dynasty -- Created In China" is an exhibition which has been hosted by Aros since November last year to display the artworks of 25 Chinese contemporary artists.