Chinese artist sentenced for satirical sculptures
Chinese artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday for “infringing upon the reputation of heroes” through his satirical works of art, including statues of China’s former leader Mao Zedong, reports BritPanorama.
The U.S.-based Gao, known internationally as part of the artistic duo the Gao Brothers, was arrested while visiting family in China in August 2024 and has been in official custody since then.
Sentenced by the Sanhei People’s Court in northern Hebei province, according to his wife, Zhao Yaliang, the charges relate to artistic works that authorities in China deem insulting to revolutionary figures.
One such work, a 2009 statue titled “Mao’s Guilt,” depicts the former leader kneeling in repentance. Another, the “Miss Mao” series, caricatures Mao with exaggerated features.
Shane Yi, a researcher at Chinese Human Rights Defenders advocating for Gao’s case, described the sentence as “a very clear case of a violation of a person’s freedom of expression.” Yi indicated that the artist plans to appeal the sentence, highlighting that the artworks in question were created prior to the enactment of the law under which Gao was convicted.
The court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amnesty International criticized the ruling, characterizing it as a deterrent against artistic expression. “The lengthy pretrial detention and, ultimately, decision to convict Gao Zhen and sentence him to the maximum three-year prison term under this offense illustrate the authorities’ determination to deter others from engaging in independent artistic expression,” stated Amnesty’s China director, Sarah Brooks.
Brooks further added, “No artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages critical reflection on history.”
Zhao expressed her hope of reuniting with her husband and returning to the U.S., where the family had previously emigrated. “I felt two years was my limit, and I was really disappointed and sad. I haven’t been able to catch my breath,” she said, having prepared clothes for her husband, expecting his release. It is common for Chinese courts to count pretrial detention as time served in a sentence.
The Gao Brothers gained prominence for their artworks addressing themes of authoritarianism and censorship, with exhibitions both within China and abroad during a period of relative openness. However, the state has intensified its control over various forms of expression, particularly regarding political figures, since the passage of a law in 2018 that bans criticism of the nation’s heroes.
