ZHONG CHENG

Zhong Cheng 2024 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    JU MING (1938-2023)

    Taichi Series - Single Whip (1995)

    1995

    Bronze, 1/10
    23 x 34 x 40 cm

    Signature engraved: Ju Ming in Chinese, dated 1995, numbered 1/10

    Estimate TWD 1,800,000-2,400,000
    USD 56,500-75,400
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

With a certificate of authenticity from Giotto international inc.

Provenance：

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

The Director of Tokyo National Kyoto Museum, Mr. Noriaki Kōhoku, eloquently described Ju Ming's work during the 1970s as follows: "Ju Ming's sculptures possess a profound sense of gravity, a quality shared with modern Japanese sculptors. They also exude a dynamic quality, another characteristic reminiscent of modern Japanese sculptors. However, what sets Ju Ming apart is his remarkable ability to seamlessly combine these two attributes."

Throughout his journey of practicing and embracing Tai Chi, Ju Ming immersed himself in the energy and essence of the natural world and the cosmic dynamics. He internalized these experiences, incorporating them into his personal introspective framework, which gradually found its artistic expression. This evolution gave birth to the magnificent and spirited "Tai Chi" series, where the form and symbolic significance of his sculptures transcend linguistic and national boundaries, transforming traditional Eastern cultural values into timeless works of art.

In Ju Ming's perspective, the "Tai Chi Series" stands as a pivotal representation of his distinctive artistic style. He conveys the essence of life from within, drawing inspiration from an inner source. Tai Chi, although appearing gentle and seemingly powerless, is, in reality, a dynamic interplay of yin and yang, a harmonious blend of softness and firmness, and a coexistence of movement and stillness. It fosters a state of balanced harmony, where energy flows and tranquility reigns within action. Tai Chi places emphasis on qualities such as evenness, slowness, softness, and roundness, embodying aesthetic ideals. Interestingly, different individuals practicing the same Tai Chi posture may manifest varying degrees of force. Thus, when Ju Ming sculpts each Tai Chi piece, he breathes into them a unique vitality, coupled with a precise grasp of Daoist symbolism within the form.

While crafting the Taichi Series, Ju Ming combines elements from both on-stage and environmental sculptures, introducing innovative concepts from contemporary sculpture. His sculptures bring modern public spaces to life, infusing them with expansive visual creativity and classic humanistic imagery. Within this collection, the distinctive visual symbols and sculptural forms of the Taichi Series extend the harmonious relationship between urban life and the natural world. These sculptures generate a visual tension that balances stillness with motion, evoking a sense of grandeur, carrying a distinct contemporary allure, and nurturing contemporary aesthetic sensibilities.

In the specific sculpture, Taichi Series - Single Whip, created in 1995, Ju Ming masterfully reduces the level of detail compared to his earlier wooden prototypes. Whether the movements are more figurative or abstract becomes less significant. The artist's focus shifts toward the dynamic interplay between limbs and block-like forms. Tai Chi places great emphasis on stillness controlling movement and responding to the opponent's actions. In this sculpture, the form adopts a sharp upward angle, symbolizing firmness and unwavering determination. Meanwhile, the hand that bends slightly downward symbolizes suppleness within strength. When analyzed in terms of body posture, it implies a circular and harmonious flow, reflecting the Daoist philosophy of "soft conquering hard," as embodied in Laozi's teachings. Ju Ming precisely captures this aspect of Tai Chi's philosophy in his artwork, depicting a poised stance that conceals a poised, impending strike beneath its seemingly defensive posture.

As Tai Chi practice advances to a higher level, it transcends specific techniques, emphasizing the importance of "yi" or intention. This philosophy succinctly captures the progress made in Ju Ming's Taichi Series from the 1970s to the 1990s. Ju Ming once said, "Tai Chi is a form of fitness created by the Chinese. It is the best example I know of 'the union of man and nature.' It uses the human body to contact and imitate the natural phenomena of the universe." Ju Ming's expression of dynamism retains the subtlety and modesty inherent in Eastern culture. In the following work, Single Whip Downward Pose, he portrays the essence of movement within a static stance, embodying a stillness that contains dynamic potential. This portrayal conveys the philosophy of being both in motion and at rest. The figure's physical form leans towards the solid, static, and contemplative, ready to burst into action at any moment, and yet, it remains poised in a state of serene observation, attuned to the unfolding changes. The interplay between movement and stillness, like yin and yang, mutually sustains and complements each other, creating a continuous cycle—much like the eternal vitality sought in Chinese culture. Ju Ming's relentless exploration of the concept of movement within stillness reflects the timeless essence of a master of the East.

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