A Chinese court has sentenced artist Gao Zhen to three years in prison for "infringing upon the reputation of heroes" over his satirical artwork, including statues that depicted China's former leader Mao Zedong in unflattering ways. Gao, who was part of the internationally recognized artistic duo the Gao Brothers, was arrested in August 2024 while visiting family in China and has been in custody since.
The Sanhei People's Court in northern Hebei province delivered the sentence, according to Gao's wife, Zhao Yaliang. The charges stem from artworks such as the 2009 statue "Mao's Guilt," which shows Mao kneeling in repentance, and the "Miss Mao" series, featuring a caricatured Mao with breasts and an enlarged nose.
Researchers and human rights advocates have criticized the ruling. Shane Yi, a researcher at Chinese Human Rights Defenders, called it a clear violation of freedom of expression, noting that the artworks predated the law under which Gao was convicted. Gao plans to appeal the sentence.
Amnesty International also condemned the sentence, describing it as a deterrent to artistic expression. Sarah Brooks, Amnesty's China Director, stated that "no artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages critical reflection on history."
Gao and his brother gained international recognition for art addressing themes of authoritarianism and censorship during a period of relative openness in China. However, in recent years, the Chinese state has tightened its control over expression, particularly concerning political figures, enacting a law in 2018 that prohibits criticism of the nation's historical heroes.
Zhao expressed disappointment with the sentence and her hope for her husband's eventual return to the U.S., where the family had immigrated. Chinese courts often calculate sentences from the date of arrest.