Confucius is known as one of the greatest thinkers of all time. So, it's no big surprise that Chinese artist Zhang Huan turned to him when he started pondering a series of questions: “Faced with rapid economic and societal changes and energy and climate challenges, how can we achieve sustainable development? What responsibilities come along with China's rise in international importance? Where is the sense of spiritual belonging for contemporary Chinese?” Although these questions seem unrelated, according to Zhang, they are inherently connected by inescapable bonds.
Every day, Zhang, who was born in China and now lives in both Shanghai and New York, and more than 100 assistants keep busy on increasingly ambitious projects. The 46-year-old is currently one of China's most respected artists.
With Q Confucius, he is currently showing his biggest one-man exhibit to date in China. The one piece that really stands out from the rest is this giant sculpture of Confucius, which is made of silicone, steel, carbon fiber and acrylic. It's a thought-provoking piece that gives viewers the urge to meditate themselves. If you happen to find yourself in China, the exhibit runs through January 29, 2011 at the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai.
Zhang Huan's website
Rockbund Art Museum's website
via [Boooooom], [WSJ], [Asia Society]
