Background on the Artist and His Work
Gao Zhen, a 70-year-old sculptor, gained prominence in the 2000s for addressing sensitive topics in Chinese history. His art often focused on the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976 and the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. He created these works alongside his younger brother, Gao Qiang. Though based in New York, he was arrested during a visit to Beijing in August 2024.
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Gao Zhen was tried in a one-day closed-door trial earlier this year. He was found guilty of damaging the reputation of heroesunder China's Heroes and Martyrs Protection Law. The law took effect in 2018 and was strengthened in 2021. Despite this, the sculptures in question date back to 2005 and 2009. Shane Yi, a researcher with China Human Rights Defenders who advised on the case, noted the contradiction. He told Reuters that sentencing Gao for art made nearly two decades before the law existed constitutes a clear violation of freedom of expression.
The Sculptures in Question
The disputed works include a 2009 bronze statue titled „Mao's Guilt,”depicting the former leader kneeling in regret. Another series, „Miss Mao,”portrays Mao with breasts and a nose resembling Pinocchio's. These pieces were deemed illegal by the court. Supporters argue they offer critical reflection on history rather than criminal provocation.
International Reaction and Calls for Release
Sarah Brooks, director of Amnesty International, stated that no artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages historical reflection. She criticized the prolonged pretrial detention and the final decision to imprison Gao Zhen. Gao’s wife, Yi Yi Yang, told Reuters that both she and their son, a U. S. citizen, have been barred from leaving China since his detention two years ago. She described the situation as devastating and urged international support for his release.
