Artist known for sculptures of Mao Zedong jailed for slandering ‘heroes and martyrs’

Gao Zhen sentenced to three years in prison after already spending two years in detention Gao Zhen, a prominent Chinese artist known for provocative sculptures of the former leader Mao Zedong, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of slandering China’s “heroes and martyrs”. The sentencing came two years after he was detained while visiting the country with his family, according to his…

Coverage from 2 publishers 2 source reports

GuardianNYT

Chinese Artist Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Mao Sculptures

Update summary

What changed in this update

Gao Zhen, part of a brotherly duo famous for satirical artworks, was convicted of slandering one of China’s heroes after a secret one-day trial.

Source coverage

Source reports

Guardian Published 25 August 2026

Artist known for sculptures of Mao Zedong jailed for slandering ‘heroes and martyrs’

NYT Published 25 August 2026

Chinese Artist Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Mao Sculptures

Gao Zhen, part of a brotherly duo famous for satirical artworks, was convicted of slandering one of China’s heroes after a secret one-day trial.

Discovery

See what’s emerging. See what’s changing.

Explore stories gaining momentum and continuing events with new developments.

Explore Discovery