MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. It has become more difficult for Russian artists to hold exhibitions abroad due to the negative attitude of the political authorities of Western countries, Soviet, American and Russian artist Mikhail Shemyakin said.

"It’s difficult with exhibitions, because now, due to sanctions, the West is acting disgracefully towards Russian intellectuals. Not only towards Russian intellectuals, but also towards common people," he said at a press conference at TASS dedicated to the release of his new book "My life: before exile."

According to Shemyakin, Russian intellectuals must stick to their guns, as Western culture is missing out on a lot due to the cancel culture around Russian artists.

"I would tell you that even French intellectuals, whom I sometimes encounter - I’m not even talking about the American ones - they are all sympathetic to everything that is happening in the Russian art world. But it’s politics and officials that rule everything," he added.

Mikhail Shemyakin is a sculptor, artist, musician, designer of many monuments and sculptures around the world, director of ballet and dramatic performances. He was expelled from the USSR in 1971. He returned to his homeland 18 years later. He is a US citizen, lives in Paris, and regularly comes to work in Russia.