Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Faces Closed-Door Trial for Satirical Mao Sculptures

Gao's provocative artworks criticizing Mao Zedong have led to charges of 'defaming revolutionary martyrs' under China's tightening censorship laws.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:40am

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A conceptual editorial illustration in the style of Giacomo Balla, featuring a fragmented, overlapping geometric painting of a distorted sculpture of Mao Zedong's head in shades of dark grey, red, and gold, conveying a sense of political tension and censorship.The trial of artist Gao Zhen for his provocative Mao sculptures exposes the Chinese government's tightening grip on free expression.NYC Today

Chinese artist Gao Zhen, known for his irreverent sculptures of Mao Zedong, is facing a closed-door trial in China on charges of 'defaming revolutionary martyrs.' Gao, who has been detained for over a year and a half, could face up to 3 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights the shrinking space for free expression under President Xi Jinping's administration.

Why it matters

Gao's sculptures, which satirize and criticize Mao, touch on taboo topics in China like the Cultural Revolution and Tiananmen Square. His trial behind closed doors suggests the authorities want to make an example of him to silence other artists and dissidents who have moved overseas.

The details

Gao and his brother created sculptures depicting Mao with breasts and a Pinocchio nose, as well as a work showing Maos preparing to execute Jesus Christ. Prosecutors allege Gao disseminated images of these sculptures online as recently as 2024. Gao has refused to confess or plead guilty, and his family says he has been mistreated in detention, including being deprived of food and barred from reading or communicating with them.

  • Gao was detained by police in August 2022 while visiting China.
  • Gao's trial is set to begin on March 31, 2026.

The players

Gao Zhen

A 69-year-old Chinese artist known for his provocative and irreverent sculptures of Mao Zedong.

Gao Qiang

Gao Zhen's brother, who was part of the same generation of avant-garde Chinese artists.

Zhao Yaliang

Gao Zhen's wife, who says he has been mistreated in detention and hopes he will be released based on time served.

Shane Yi

A researcher at the nonprofit Chinese Human Rights Defenders, who says the use of a 'contrived, retroactively applied law' in Gao's closed-door trial is evidence of 'serious due process violations.'

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What they’re saying

“'Secret trials are usually a bad sign. The authorities may have already decided for the court what the outcome should be, and the trial is simply a politicized legal process, devoid of any fairness.'”

— Gao Qiang, Gao Zhen's brother

“'But because this is China after all, we hope for the best but must prepare for the worst.'”

— Zhao Yaliang, Gao Zhen's wife

“'We all hoped for greater openness, but in reality, while China has achieved openness in many aspects — even surpassing the West in some areas — it hasn't truly opened up its political system. Since the Cultural Revolution, it has regressed every decade.'”

— Gao Zhen

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Gao Zhen out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Chinese government's continued crackdown on free expression, even targeting artists whose works criticize historical figures like Mao Zedong. It raises concerns about due process and the ability of dissidents to voice dissent, even from overseas.