The show Anselm Kiefer in China comes into media spotlight even before its opening on Saturday, because the German artist whose works are on show, accused the organizers of excluding him from the process. CHEN YAN/CHINA DAILY

He said the show was being held "without his involvement and consent".

"Throughout my career I have been heavily involved in all my major international exhibitions. It is a matter of deep regret and frustration that the organizers of my first show in China have seen fit to exclude me from this process," Kiefer, 71, wrote in the email, adding that he wanted the exhibition canceled.

On Thursday, he also issued an official media statement about his position on the show that went viral.

The show involves several organizers, including Germany's Bell Art Center and the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Li Jiayi, a representative of the Bell Art Center in China, told China Daily that Kiefer's works on show are from both private collectors and art institutions, which have authorized them to show the works in China. The MAP collection and Ludwig Museum Koblenz in Germany provided the pieces.