Censorship by Another Name: The China Conundrum for Artists and Activists The recent sentencing of Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen has left many in the art world with a sense of déjà vu, echoing the long history of government crackdowns on creative expression.
His arrest and conviction were not surprising, given his history of courting controversy through satirical sculptures of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The US State Department's decision to speak out against China's treatment of Gao is notable, as it highlights the complexities of navigating diplomatic relations with a country notorious for suppressing artistic freedom.