CHINA: Artist Gao Zhen arrested in Beijing for his Mao-critical sculptures

The New York-based sculptor was arrested in his studio in the Chinese capital while visiting his family. According to his lawyer, he could be accused of “harming the reputation or honor of heroes and martyrs.” The ruling Communist Party is tightening its grip on the narrative of history.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Chinese artist Gao Zhen (高兟) has been arrested for his sculptures criticizing Mao Zedong, created years ago. Gao Zhen's younger brother, Gao Qiang (高强), confirmed that Gao Zhen was arrested for “damaging the reputation or honor of heroes and martyrs.” The charge is based on a 2021 amendment to China's criminal law. He is currently detained in Sanhe, a small town near the capital Beijing.

The Gao brothers – Gao Zhen (born 1956) and Gao Qiang (born 1962) – became famous for their sculptures depicting Mao. Their works also reflect contemporary Chinese society. The Gao brothers live in the United States. Gao Zhen returned to China two months ago with his wife and son to visit his family. Their departure to New York was scheduled for September 3. Gao Zhen was arrested on August 26 after police raided his art studio on the outskirts of Beijing.

The two artists lived in Beijing for years before moving to New York. The family personally experienced the cruelty of the Cultural Revolution. The Gao brothers' father was persecuted to death in prison when the two artists were very young. The Gao brothers began their artistic activity in 1985. After the Chinese authorities suppressed the Tiananmen protests in 1989, they created paintings to commemorate the victims of the massacre. Through their sculptures, they showed their satirical attitude towards Chinese politics and society. Their works depicted politicians, police officers, migrant workers, dissidents, prostitutes, Olympic stars from all walks of life. Among the works depicting the Chinese leader is “Miss Mao”, with large breasts and a long nose, and presents the grotesque image of a monstrous and lying mother figure. The Gao brothers' most famous work is 2009's Execution of Christ, which shows Mao's team pointing guns at Jesus. Another famous work shows Mao on his knees confessing his sins.

According to the latest Chinese law, “damaging the reputation or honor of heroes and martyrs” carries a maximum prison sentence of three years. A lawyer met Gao Zhen during his detention and is not optimistic about his condition. According to the lawyer, police brought photos of Mao sculptures to the Gao brothers' art studio in Beijing as evidence. Apparently, the authorities considered Mao a hero and martyr so that Gao could be sentenced to prison. However, the sculptures were created more than ten years ago and China only amended the articles on “damaging the reputation or honor of heroes and martyrs” in its legislation three years ago.

Since Xi Jinping came to power, Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on ideology and artists' scope has been largely restricted. The charge of “harming the reputation or honor of heroes and martyrs” has become a weapon against discussions and opinions that deviate from the authorities' narrative of their own history, as well as current trends. Chinese investigative journalist Luo Changping was sentenced to seven months in prison for questioning the legitimacy of the Chinese army's involvement in the 1950 Korean War. Qiu Ziming was sentenced to eight months in prison for questioning the Chinese army's death toll in the Sino-Indian border conflict in February 2021. Qiu was the first person to be charged since the new law came into force in March 2021.