Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Sentenced to Three Years for Satirical Mao Sculptures
On August 25, 2024, a court in Sanhe, Hebei province, sentenced Gao Zhen, a 70-year-old Chinese artist famous for his satirical sculptures of Mao Zedong, to three years in prison. Gao, along with his brother Gao Qiang as the Gao Brothers, created notable works such as 'Execution of Christ' (2009) and 'Mao's Guilt' between 2005 and 2009. His conviction is based on laws that penalize defamation against individuals regarded as heroes by the Communist Party. After relocating to the U.S. in 2022, Gao was apprehended in China in August 2024, with authorities confiscating his artwork and detaining his family. The trial was held behind closed doors, raising concerns from the UN Office of Human Rights regarding the law's retroactive enforcement. Gao is anticipated to be released in August 2027.
Key facts
- Gao Zhen, 70, sentenced to three years in prison on August 25 by a court in Sanhe, Hebei province.
- Works cited were created between 2005 and 2009 with brother Gao Qiang under the name Gao Brothers.
- Works include 'Execution of Christ' (2009), 'Mao's Guilt', and the 'Miss Mao' series.
- Conviction uses Chinese law criminalizing defamation of historical figures treated as heroes and martyrs.
- Human rights groups criticize retroactive application of the law.
- Sarah Brooks of Amnesty International for China commented on the case.
- Gao moved to the US in 2022, arrested in China in August 2024.
- Authorities seized works and prevented his wife and son from leaving.
- Gao remains detained, reportedly in inhumane conditions.
- Gao Brothers' work was exhibited at Kemper Museum of Art in Kansas City (2010-2011).
- Trial was closed-door, little attention in China.
- UN Office of Human Rights expressed concerns.
- Expected release in August 2027 if conviction stands.
Entities
Artists
- Gao Zhen
- Gao Qiang
- Mao Zedong
- Xi Jinping
Institutions
- Amnesty International
- Kemper Museum of Art
- United Nations Office of Human Rights
- United Nations Human Rights Office
- BBC
Locations
- Sanhe
- Hebei
- China
- United States
- Kansas City
- Hebei province
- Beijing
Sources
- Dasartes —
- BBC Culture —