China, from censorship to awakening | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• The Stars (Xingxing): An avant-garde artist group formed in post-Cultural Revolution China that advocated for artistic freedom and individual expression.
• Democracy Wall: A location in Beijing where citizens posted dazibao (big-character posters) to criticize the government and demand political reform.
• Cultural Revolution (1966–1976): A decade of socio-political turmoil in China characterized by the suppression of "old" culture and the elevation of Mao Zedong to a god-like status.
• The Gang of Four: A political faction led by Mao’s wife, Jiang Qing, which controlled art and propaganda during the Cultural Revolution.
• Dazibao: Large, handwritten posters used by activists to voice political grievances and demands in public spaces.
• Human Rights/Artistic Freedom: The core struggle of the movement, linking the right to create art with the right to political dissent.

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1. Historical Context and the End of the Cultural Revolution

Following the death of Mao Zedong and the arrest of the "Gang of Four," China entered a period of transition. The Cultural Revolution had resulted in an estimated 100 million people being killed, imprisoned, or persecuted. As political tensions subsided, a generation of young, self-taught artists began seeking a new, "human" form of expression, moving away from the rigid, state-controlled propaganda mandated by Jiang Qing.

2. The Rise of the Democracy Movement

The "Democracy Wall" became the epicenter of public discourse. Citizens, including workers and students, used this space to post dazibao demanding compensation for the suffering endured during the Cultural Revolution. This was a radical departure from the past, as public criticism of the Communist Party had previously been punishable by execution.

3. The Stars Artist Group: Methodology and Philosophy

• Formation: Founded by Huang Rui and Wang Keping, the group named themselves "The Stars" to contrast with Mao, who was referred to as the "Sun." They believed that while the sun (the party) dominates the day, stars shine in the darkness.
• Artistic Approach: The group rejected state-sanctioned realism. Their work was often political and symbolic, such as Wang Keping’s sculpture Silence, which depicted a head with a plugged mouth to represent the constraint of the era.
• Guerrilla Exhibition: After being denied official permits by the Artists Association, the group staged an unauthorized exhibition on the metal fence outside the National Art Museum. They printed invitations in secret and used bicycles to transport their work, creating a spontaneous, public-facing gallery.

4. Political Confrontation and Activism

The exhibition was eventually shut down by police under the pretext of "disturbing social order." This led to a pivotal moment of civil disobedience:

• The Demonstration: Artists and democracy activists joined forces to march to the Beijing Municipal Building, demanding artistic freedom and political democracy.
• The Trial of Wei Jingsheng: Wei, a prominent activist, published an article titled "Do we want democracy or a new dictatorship?" in the magazine Explorations. He was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
• Underground Reporting: Activists, including those working within state institutions (like the CCTV lighting technician who recorded the trial), transcribed the proceedings and plastered them on the Democracy Wall to expose the manipulation of the judicial process.

5. Notable Quotes and Perspectives

• Wei Jingsheng: "It’s not about winning the battle. Even if the war is doomed to fail, we have to join the fight in our country."
• The Stars' Manifesto: "23 explorers of art are presenting our modest findings... We see the world with our eyes and engage it with our brushes and carving knives."
• Reflection on Freedom: The participants emphasized that freedom of speech and assembly are "as essential as air and water."

6. Synthesis and Conclusion

The movement initiated by The Stars and the Democracy Wall activists represented a brief but significant "thaw" in Chinese political life. While Deng Xiaoping initially allowed these expressions to demonstrate a break from the Maoist past, he ultimately suppressed the movement to maintain control, leading to the destruction of the Democracy Wall and the imprisonment of key figures.

The legacy of this period remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As noted by the participants, while the political landscape has changed, the fundamental desire for freedom of expression remains a constant, universal struggle. The movement proved that art could serve as a powerful, non-violent weapon against authoritarianism, bridging the gap between personal creative expression and the broader fight for human rights.