Gao Zhen

Gao Zhen is a 69-year-old Chinese dissident artist known for creating satirical sculptures of Mao Zedong and other works addressing sensitive political topics like the Cultural Revolution and the Tiananmen Square protests. He and his brother, Qiang, gained recognition in the early 2000s for their politically charged art. Gao, who resides in the US, was detained in China in 2024 during a visit. He is currently on trial, accused of "defaming national heroes and martyrs," and faces a potential three-year prison sentence. The trial has drawn international attention due to concerns about freedom of expression in China and the government's intolerance of any perceived mockery of the regime. Recent reports include news of his secret trial and the release of video showcasing artwork created in jail, which his wife describes as "love letters."