A Chinese artist known for his provocative sculptures of Mao Zedong has been sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum term allowed under a law prohibiting the “slandering of China’s heroes.” A court in Hebei province ruled on Tuesday that the work of 70-year-old Gao Zhen “infringes upon the hero’s reputation and harms public interest.”
Gao, who had relocated to the United States in 2022, was apprehended at his studio near Beijing during a visit in August 2024. He has remained in detention for the past two years. If the conviction stands, he is expected to complete his sentence in August 2027, with credit given for the time already served. He intends to appeal the decision.
The legal action centers on sculptures created by Gao and his brother, Gao Qiang, which gained international attention for their biting political commentary. Among the works cited are a sculpture depicting a squad of Mao-like figures holding Jesus Christ at gunpoint, a life-sized piece titled “Mao’s Guilt” showing the leader kneeling in contrition, and “Miss Mao,” which features the leader with exaggerated physical traits.
These pieces were originally exhibited as early as 2009. The prosecution utilized a law enacted in March 2018 that criminalizes the defamation of historical figures associated with the Chinese Communist Party. Following his arrest, authorities seized his artwork and imposed travel bans on his wife and seven-year-old son, preventing them from leaving China.
Amnesty International’s China Director, Sarah Brooks, condemned the ruling, stating that no artist should face criminal punishment for challenging official narratives or reflecting on history. She argued that the trial highlights how vague, politically motivated laws are being applied retroactively to silence dissenters. The UN’s Human Rights Office expressed similar concerns, noting the impact on Gao’s family and the broader implications of using criminal sanctions to suppress artistic expression.
Observers of the Chinese political landscape suggest the case signals an increasingly extreme reach by the state, which is now policing citizens both transnationally and retroactively. Gao Qiang previously told the media that the message of the trial is clear: even work created 15 years ago can be criminalized if the political climate shifts.
The Gao brothers rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s for their satirical approach to Chinese politics. Gao’s recent trial was conducted behind closed doors in a single-day session that received minimal domestic coverage, drawing widespread calls for his release from international human rights organizations. The report also notes that a life-sized replica of the leader kneeling in a pose of solemn contrition; and Miss Mao which depicts him with large breasts and a long, Pinocchio-style nose, they are Mao’s Guilt. The report also notes that if the verdict is upheld, Gao would be due to complete his sentence in August 2027 as it would take into account the two years that he has already spent in detention. The report also notes that in this case, used retroactively â to silence artists, activists and other individuals who dare to express views that differ from those of the Chinese government,” she said, this trial demonstrates how broadly worded and politically motivated laws are used â and worse.
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