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ARTISTS IN FOCUS

The Gao Brothers

Art as a response to political oppression

By: Josefina Mautone
February 2025

Gao Zhen (b. 1956) and Gao Qiang (b. 1962) are Beijing-based artist brothers, better known collectively as the Gao Brothers. Their art spans various mediums, including photography, video, painting, sculpture, and performance. In addition to their artistic creations, they also work as critical writers and exhibition curators. 

A great deal of the Gao Brothers’ work is inspired by their family’s experiences during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966–76) – when they were children, the arrest and execution of their father during this period served as a profound catalyst in their lives, shaping their worldview and future as artists. This traumatic event not only exposed them to the brutal realities of political repression but also instilled a deep sensitivity and empathy to themes of oppression, injustice, and the human cost of authoritarian regimes.

The Gaos’ critical perspective and subject matter have often brought them into conflict with Chinese authorities, leading to frequent censorship of their works by the Government. Since many of their works criticize the Chinese government and their leaders, the brothers have found it difficult to express freely without being subjected to censorship and seizure of their work; as a result, they generally show their work at secret art exhibitions. 

Some of the brothers’ most notable works are:

  • The Execution of Christ (2009), a provocative depiction of Christ’s crucifixion as a firing squad;
  • Miss Mao (2006), a satirical reimagining of Chairman Mao;
  • The Utopia of Hugging for 20 Minutes (2000–ongoing), a performance piece where strangers hug each other that serves as a metaphor for humanity, love, and universal connection in a divided world. 


On August 26th, 2024, Gao Zhen was detained by Chinese authorities. The arrest took place while he was traveling with his wife and child. On that same day, 30 officers raided his art studio in Yanjiao and confiscated several of his artworks, including sculptures depicting Mao Zedong. Gao Zhen was charged under the 2018 “Heroes and Martyrs Protection Act”, for allegedly “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs” which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years. It is pertinent to note that these artworks had been created more than a decade prior to the law being in effect.

By: Pan Cooke

Gao Qiang, who resides in the United States since 2022, publicly condemned the retroactive application of this law against his brother and collaborator. This incident highlights the increasing cultural and political repression in China under the current government and is a prime example of the challenges faced by artists who dare speak freely and critically of the people in power. 

For his part, Gao Qiang has this to say: 

“Artistic freedom is, at its core, the freedom of the soul. Any suppression of artistic and spiritual freedom is not only an insult to all who cherish liberty but also a sign of a society that perceives such freedoms as threats. A society that represses artistic and spiritual freedoms is inevitably an oppressive one, devoid of hope.”  

As of now, there have been no official news or updates regarding Gao Zhen’s trial or potential release.

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