Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen is unable to celebrate his 70th birthday with his family. Detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2024 for artwork made years before the passage of the law used to charge him, Gao has been separated from his family for almost two years
San Francisco Art Week can be overwhelming—or genuinely great—depending on where you focus.
I put together a San Francisco Art Week city guide for the APAA with the fairs, exhibitions, museum shows, and a few favorite spots that are actually worth your time.
Full guide here:
https://t.co/wOnlEUJ7bc (https://t.co/yQM5SDpe2z)
Censored in Bangkok. The Chinese Communist Party pressured a gallery to alter works critical of the regime, art that uplifted Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Hongkongers.
One year ago, my friend, the artist Gao Zhen, was unjustly imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party for his art.
The Human Rights Foundation stands with Gao Zhen, his family, and countless others whose voices and freedom are under attack. #freegaozhen https://t.co/QV3nTJ7BhX
“The Guilty Will Kneel” confronts authoritarianism without euphemism. Presented by @HRF at Atelie Studio during the 2025 Oslo Freedom Forum, this group exhibition features powerful works by the Gao Brothers, Sanmu Chen, Tenzing Rigdol, Sai —, K, and Ma.
From piercing satire and raw testimonies to smuggled prison poetry and children’s war drawings, each piece is an act of defiance. These are the voices regimes try to silence, but they refuse to be erased. Learn more about the exhibition: https://t.co/kxCBG8Da9d
HRF is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of the Art in Protest Residency program in partnership with the UK-based studio, C&G Artpartment, this expansion introduces a strong focus on supporting dissident artists from the Asia-Pacific.
https://t.co/GT8W9NrAM9
What an amazing week for the arts in San Francisco! SF Art Week and the FOG art fair brought incredible energy to the city. A big thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, and supported this unforgettable week. We can’t wait to see you again next year! #fogfair#sfartweek
1/ Renowned Chinese artist Gao Zhen was detained in China on charges of “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs,” according to his brother and artistic partner Gao Qiang. https://t.co/pKHKI1Jrfi
Artist Gao Zhen 高兟 was arrested in Beijing,charged with “insulting the Martyrs” apparently in reference to his sculptures criticizing Mao Zengdong, including “ A kneeling Mao in repentance”,”The execution of Jesus”. He was visiting with his family back from his residence in Long Island. Gao Brothers, Gao Zhen together with his brother Gao Qiang, are known for their astonishing artwork exposing the true nature of Mao Zedong and CCP regime. These artworks were created many years before the co called “martyrs” law was passed.
Art Is Power: 20 Artists on How They Fight for Justice and Inspire Changes spotlights the stories of artists around the world who have used their creative talents to uplift, sustain, and mobilize social and political movements globally. #humanrights https://t.co/zuetpvpj1r
Art in Protest seeks to elevate artists whose work is connected to their struggle for democracy and human rights.
Art in Protest | Human Rights Foundation https://t.co/Tl3HPZ80zp via @YouTube
While some may argue that political art is too provocative and over the top to be shown at art institutions, it is important to recognize that art has always been a powerful means of expression and reflection on social and political issues.
Artistic expression is not limited to aesthetics alone; it can also serve as a powerful tool for social commentary and reflection. Political art can be thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and intellectually stimulating, offering a unique perspective on the world we live in.
Art institutions should embrace their role as platforms for diverse artistic expressions, including those that address political themes, as they contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural dialogue and understanding.
The Ukrainian people need our solidarity and support now. 💙💛 My colleagues at the Human Rights Foundation have published a list of reputable Ukrainian organizations to support #NoWarInUkraine#StopPutinNOW#FreeUkraine. https://t.co/hCzekP6oDv
The Human Rights Foundation's Art in Protest residency aims to provide a safe space for dissident artists to grow and explore new ways to creatively propel the importance of civil and political rights into the global spotlight. https://t.co/PR3JnPgeRM #HumanRights#artinprotest