Lot 199
Taichi Series - Arch
JU Ming (Taiwanese, 1938 - 2023)
1991
Bronze, edition no. 19/20
45(L) x 94(W) x 36(H) cm
Estimate
TWD 4,600,000-5,800,000
HKD 1,122,000-1,415,000
USD 146,700-185,000
Sold Price
TWD 7,440,000
HKD 1,917,526
USD 246,766
Signature
This sculpture is to be sold with a certificated of authenticity issued by Giotto Art Center, Taipei.
+ OVERVIEW
"Taichi Arch" was originally born out of two people engaging in the Taichi exercise called "pushing hands" (Tui-shou). Regarding the piece, the artist remarks, "Before, with 'pushing hands', a distance remained between the two individuals practicing. But now I've connected their hands together - as soon as their hands met, the flow of Chi and the synchronous muscle movement of the two figures formed a mutual and dynamic bond, and combined into a single body that formed the shape of an arch." Ju Ming's work represents the natural, graceful elegance of Taichi movement - the space between the two figures and their fists symbolize Yin and Yang for China, with the pushing of hands forming the essence of Taichi. Details that are irrelevant to the main theme are no longer seen in the Taichi Arch. The creation has plunged into an almost purely abstract stage. Like looking at an abstract painting by Jackson Pollock, things that appear before one's eyes are the dance poses, geometrical planes and asymmetrical forms on his canvas. Increased levels of adornment are given to the space surrounding this work, the richness of which does not go beyond its tempo. The simple carvings show the artist's state of self-denial. We can see an unfettered Ju Ming who no longer wants to simply copy a form like a traditional craftsman. Thanks to the joyful moods brought by Taichi, he cannot help but transform it into an eternal entity.
The uniqueness of the "Taichi Arch" lies in its harmonious coexistence with the corner where it is located. It has gradually become an important component of the surroundings, integrating the Oriental philosophical thinking of the union of heaven and earth in the gardens of China. The extensity presented by the sculpture, regardless of its size, is unrestricted. Perhaps the feeling of infinite extent is a result of the spiritual character it is endowed with by Ju Ming.
Modern & Contemporary Asian Art
Ravenel Autumn Auction 2011 Taipei
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:30pm