Art on trial - a sculptor's arrest highlights new extremes for censorship in China
Chinese sculptor Gao Zhen was arrested and put on trial for 'insulting revolutionary heroes and martyrs' due to his artworks criticizing Mao Zedong. The trial has sparked concerns about China's increasing censorship and crackdown on dissent.
Gao Zhen, a 69-year-old Chinese sculptor, was arrested in mid-2024 at his studio near Beijing and put on trial last month for 'insulting revolutionary heroes and martyrs'. His artworks, including 'Execution of Christ' and 'Mao's Guilt', satirize Mao Zedong, China's former dictator. Gao Zhen, who emigrated to the US in 2022, faces up to three years in jail. Authorities seized his artworks and barred his family from leaving China. Gao's brother, Gao Qiang, says the trial's message is clear: even old works can be considered a crime if the political climate changes. The Chinese government has not commented on the trial, but China-watchers say it reflects a growing crackdown on dissent. The UN human rights office has called for Gao's immediate release, citing concerns over retroactive application of criminal law and punishment of artistic expression. Gao's health is also a concern, as he suffers from chronic conditions and has been denied medical bail.
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