HRF strongly condemns the sentencing of artist Gao Zhen and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. HRF also calls on the international community to hold China accountable for its repression of artistic expression.
A member of the Gao Brothers, Gao grew up during the Cultural Revolution, which deeply influenced his artistic work. His art has frequently examined Mao Zedong, the Tiananmen Massacre, and the Chinese Communist Party’s political repression. In March, Gao stood trial for three works of art: “Miss Mao,” “Execution of Christ,” and “Mao’s Guilt.”
After two years in detention, Gao’s health has continued to deteriorate as Chinese officials restrict his access to medical treatment and his contact with the outside world. The Chinese government has extended its pressure to his family, barring his wife and son from leaving China to return to the United States.
Gao’s sentencing reflects the Chinese regime’s continuous repression of dissent and artistic expression. HRF urges the regime to immediately and unconditionally release Gao Zhen, return his confiscated artworks, and lift the exit ban on his family.
To understand the fuller story that the criminal charges leave out, read HRF’s chronological portrait, Gao Zhen: The Long Making of Dissent.
