PRINTCatalogue Note:
The “Taichi” series exhibits the maturity of the artist’s sculptural language and aesthetic style. The series epitomizes the transformation from his previously meticulous and formal craftsmanship to a sculptural aesthetic characterized by complete ease and freedom, achieving a fluid sculptural form that transcends the concept of the self. This series drew him away from the traditional themes he explored in the past and into a type of pure spiritualism that marked the beginning of his mature phase in modern sculpture.
Ju Ming soon discovered that practicing the ancient “martial art” did more than just made him stronger: it gave him much more energy for thought and opened up profound new vistas for his creative work. Ju gained firsthand experience of the aweinspiring vital force that circulates through all living creatures, and as he gradually adopted this new philosophy and internalized its principles, he also started to express it in his art. This was the point of departure for his “Taichi series”, a collection of works brimming with impressive momentum and a joyful spirit. In these pieces, Ju managed to sublimate the abstract essence of traditional Chinese culture and to pour it into his creations that transcend language and geographical barriers. Perhaps the most frequently explored position in Ju Ming’s Taichi oeuvre, “Single Whip” depicts an individual figure gently lowering his body, with one leg deeply bent and the other gracefully straightened. The figure raises his hands in a wide gesture implying readiness, a stance appropriate for both offence and defence. The elegant poise with which Ju has expertly sculpted this staunch figure signifies the harmony and balance between the dualities of strength and tenderness, as well as motion and stillness. This fine work is one of Ju’s early signature sculptures: the mineralised figure reflects the solemnity of the sculpture and Ju gives the dynamic and weighty feelings to the work simply with the cuts and craves. The piece is definitely a fine work of his “Taichi” series.
Ju Ming soon discovered that practicing the ancient “martial art” did more than just made him stronger: it gave him much more energy for thought and opened up profound new vistas for his creative work. Ju gained firsthand experience of the aweinspiring vital force that circulates through all living creatures, and as he gradually adopted this new philosophy and internalized its principles, he also started to express it in his art. This was the point of departure for his “Taichi series”, a collection of works brimming with impressive momentum and a joyful spirit. In these pieces, Ju managed to sublimate the abstract essence of traditional Chinese culture and to pour it into his creations that transcend language and geographical barriers. Perhaps the most frequently explored position in Ju Ming’s Taichi oeuvre, “Single Whip” depicts an individual figure gently lowering his body, with one leg deeply bent and the other gracefully straightened. The figure raises his hands in a wide gesture implying readiness, a stance appropriate for both offence and defence. The elegant poise with which Ju has expertly sculpted this staunch figure signifies the harmony and balance between the dualities of strength and tenderness, as well as motion and stillness. This fine work is one of Ju’s early signature sculptures: the mineralised figure reflects the solemnity of the sculpture and Ju gives the dynamic and weighty feelings to the work simply with the cuts and craves. The piece is definitely a fine work of his “Taichi” series.