Ju Ming (1938–2023) was a leading figure in modern Chinese sculpture. Trained in traditional woodcarving in his early years, he later integrated Eastern and Western artistic concepts, developing a distinctive sculptural style characterized by powerful forms and concise visual expression. His Taichi Series is among the most significant bodies of his work, transforming the philosophical principles of traditional Chinese martial arts
into a contemporary sculptural language.
The form of this Taichi Series appears to be inspired by “Cloud Hands,” a movement in Taichi. Rooted in the yin-yang philosophy of the I Ching (Book of Changes), the work embodies the wisdom of stillness overcoming motion, softness overcoming hardness, and harnessing an opponent’s force to generate power.
Ju Ming translates the profound meanings of martial arts into substantial volumes and simplified planes, creating a sculptural form that is both robust and dynamic. The lower body rises like a sheer rock face, conveying stability and an imposing sense of strength, while the upper body captures the poised energy of a movement about to unfold. Together, the two parts form a harmonious structure that balances attack and defence,stillness and movement. Beyond expressing the raw, tactile strength of wood, the sculpture distils the Taichi principle of balancing softness with strength into its very form, inviting viewers to experience its latent energy and
the artistic dialogue between traditional martial arts and modern sculpture.