Obituary | ‘The monumentality of mountains’: Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming, who paved the way for broader appreciation of art referencing Chinese cultural heritage, dies at 85
- Ju learned to paint and sculpt from the age of 15 and became best known for his iconic representation of human figures in tai chi and Buddhist poses
- Hong Kong played a pivotal role in Ju’s career and his works can be seen outside landmarks such as Exchange Square and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
The art world is mourning the death of Ju Ming, the Taiwanese sculptor whose ascendance in the 1980s paved the way for broader international appreciation of contemporary art that referenced Chinese cultural heritage.
The 85-year-old reportedly died by suicide at his home in Taipei on April 22.
Born Ju Chuantai in Taiwan’s Miaoli county, Ju learned to paint and sculpt from the age of 15 and became best known for his iconic representation of human figures based on tai chi and Buddhism.
His distinctive style of blocky, geometric abstractions and the dynamic postures of his figures is easily identifiable. Using a variety of materials such as wood, stone, bronze and steel, Ju always managed to convey a tactile, handmade quality that harked back to his training in wood carving.
With many of his monumental sculptures shown in public spaces, he is one of the most recognised contemporary artists from Asia.