Prominent Chinese Artist Detained for “Slandering Heroes”: A Stark Reminder of China’s Shrinking Freedom
Gao Zhen, a well-known Chinese artist famed for his provocative sculptures critiquing Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution, has been detained by Chinese authorities. This unexpected arrest underscores the increasingly restrictive environment under Xi Jinping’s leadership, where artistic expression is under severe threat.
Gao, 68, was taken into custody last week during a police raid on his art studio near Beijing, according to his brother, Gao Qiang. The raid was reportedly in response to allegations that Gao had “slandered China’s heroes and martyrs,” a criminal offense that was introduced in 2021 and carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Gao’s brother revealed this news in an email to CNN from New York, where he currently resides.
Gao Zhen and his brother, Gao Qiang, are renowned for their bold sculptures that challenge China’s historical narrative, particularly their works from over a decade ago. These include “Mao’s Guilt,” a life-sized bronze statue of Mao Zedong kneeling in repentance, and “The Execution of Christ,” which features multiple Mao figures as executioners. Another notable work, “Miss Mao,” features busts of Mao with exaggerated, cartoonish features. These pieces, created during a time of relatively greater artistic freedom in China, have now been seized by authorities as evidence against Gao.
Despite Gao Zhen’s recent works being less politically charged, his past creations have resurfaced to haunt him. Friends and family speculate that this retroactive punishment is part of a broader crackdown on “historical nihilism,” a term used by the Chinese Communist Party to describe any narrative that contradicts the official version of history. This law has previously been used to silence bloggers, journalists, and comedians, but Gao Zhen appears to be the first artist detained under these charges.
Gao’s detention is particularly troubling because it highlights a significant regression in China’s treatment of free expression. During the more liberal period before Xi Jinping’s rise to power, the Gao Brothers’ controversial works, though censored at times, were tolerated to some extent. Now, under Xi’s regime, the space for creative and critical expression has dramatically shrunk.
The brothers, who have spent years pushing the boundaries of Chinese art, have faced numerous challenges throughout their careers. Their exhibitions have been shut down, their works confiscated, and their studios monitored. Yet, they have also gained international recognition, with exhibitions in Paris, New York, and Berlin, and their works housed in prestigious museums worldwide.
Gao Zhen’s recent arrest has raised alarm among the global art community and those who advocate for freedom of expression. His brother, Gao Qiang, remains deeply concerned about Gao’s physical and mental health, particularly as he approaches his 70th birthday. The artist’s detention serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risks faced by those who dare to challenge the official narrative in China.
As China’s grip on artistic expression tightens, Gao Zhen’s plight may well become a symbol of the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, where even the past can be weaponized against those who speak out.
