CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-924201
Gao Zhen
Born
Unknown
Occupation
Artist
Role
Public Commentator · Other
Record ID
CNHRA-P-924201
Visual Records
Gao Zhen during the Gao Brothers’ Utopia of the Embrace performance at the 2019 Oslo Freedom Forum.
Biography
Gao Zhen is a contemporary artist who works with his younger brother Gao Qiang as the Gao Brothers. Their sculptures and other works address Chinese political history, images of Mao Zedong and the relationship between individuals and power; some works have been exhibited abroad.[1][2]
In the closing statement published by Human Rights in China, Gao describes his artistic work and Christian faith. He says the three sculptures at issue were made between 2005 and 2009 and expressed his understanding of history and political figures.[2]
Gao lived in New York and was detained during a family visit to China in 2024. His court statement discusses his young child and wish to return home. Amnesty International’s subsequent reporting also describes exit restrictions imposed on his wife and child.[2][1]
Case Summary
Gao was taken from his studio in Yanjiao, Hebei, on August 26, 2024 in a case concerning sculptures created years earlier. A one-day closed trial took place in March 2026, when he delivered his closing statement.[1][2]
On August 25, 2026, the court sentenced Gao to three years for infringing the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs. Amnesty International reported the judgment and relayed family concerns about his health, including pain and episodes of fainting in custody.[1]
In his closing statement, Gao denied that his art constituted the alleged offense and questioned prosecuting earlier works under a subsequently introduced criminal provision. He connected the works to his experience, historical understanding and faith, and asked to return to his family.[2]
Timeline
2005
Beginning of the period of the disputed sculptures
Gao dates the three sculptures at issue to 2005–2009 in his closing statement. He explains to the court how they relate to his historical understanding and artistic expression.[2]
2024-08-26
Detained during a visit to China
Gao was taken from his Yanjiao studio in Hebei. Amnesty reports that the New York resident was visiting family in China and that the case targeted works made years earlier.[1]
2026-03
Closed trial and closing statement
HRIC records a one-day closed trial. Gao submitted a written closing statement explaining the works’ background, denying criminal wrongdoing and asking to reunite with his wife and child.[2]
2026-08-25
Three-year prison sentence
The court imposed a three-year sentence for infringing the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs. Amnesty published the sentencing news that day and described family exit restrictions and health concerns.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-272070Amnesty International
Evidence location: Background and judgment: August 2024 detention, August 25, 2026 three-year sentence in Sanhe; health and family exit restrictions.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-868438Human Rights in China
Evidence location: Editorial introduction and closing statement: March 2026 trial, 2005–2009 sculptures, faith and family.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-639952Wikimedia Commons
Evidence location: File description, author and Licensing section.