Chinese-Australian artist detained 'over interview about his Tiananmen artwork'
Friends of Guo believe he was taken in by authorities because he told a newspaper about his artwork - a Tiananmen Square diorama with 160kg of minced meat
A Chinese-Australian artist has been detained in Beijing just ahead of the Tiananmen Square anniversary, a report said today, with Canberra informing Beijing of its “strong interest” in the case.
Guo Jian, a former Tiananmen Square protester, was taken away last night from his home in Songzhuang, an art colony on the eastern fringe of Beijing, the Sydney Morning Herald said.
The 52-year-old Chinese-born Australian managed to send two short text messages to friends, saying he had been taken by police, the report said.
It cited a friend, artist Melanie Wang, as saying she was able to reach Guo on the phone briefly and he said police told him he would be released in 15 days.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs said it was troubled by the report.
“The Australian embassy in Beijing has contacted Chinese authorities to seek further information on the reported detention of Mr Guo Jian and to underline our strong interest in the matter,” a spokesman told AFP.