Remembering Taiwanese Sculptor Ju Ming's Works in HK

Tai Chi outside Exchange Square is one of Ju's iconic works

It was absolutely tragic to hear the news that Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming died by suicide in his home on April 22 after a long undisclosed illness. He was 85 years old.

He is best known for his blocky sculptures that had sweeping textures that exuded movement, particularly the series on tai chi.

Ju became well-known from exhibitions in HK

A few of his sculptures can be found in Hong Kong, and on my way to the gym, I would pass by Taichi: Sparring (Harmony) outside the Bank of China building.

There was also a pair of sculptures at Exchange Square, one called Single Whip, the other Tai Chi.

Another one is at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, named Living World Series - Lining Up, featuring a line of people dressed in different outfits. They are short and accessible to children. What's interesting about this piece, made in 2002, features one person in a yellow raincoat.

For those who were in Hong Kong during the Umbrella Movement in 2014, will remember Marco Leung, who was known as "raincoat man", and fell to his death when he stood on scaffolding at Pacific Place in Admiralty. While there is no direct link to Ju's sculpture, the man in the yellow raincoat is what many Hongkongers remember of that time.

Taichi: Sparring (Harmony) at Bank of China

Ju gained international recognition through having his exhibitions in Hong Kong, thanks to Hanart TZ Gallery started by Johnson Chang Tsong-zung. He curated Ju's breakout exhibition back in 1982 at the Hong Kong Arts Centre and in 1991 in London's South Bank Centre.

"The news of Ju Ming's death is a big shock," Chang says. "A patient and resolute artist, Ju Ming always honed his vision with clarity, and pursued it with determination. He has maintained his style to the end.

"His passing marks the end of an era which fostered artists brought up in traditional skills and traditional mindset to become giants in modern Chinese art.

"We started working together four decades ago, and travelled east and west to promote a sculptural art that has the fluidity of calligraphy and the monumentality of mountains.

"Ju Ming was a man of integrity and an inspired artist; I feel immense loss that he has chosen to leave the world at this time, and sorely miss the long friendship that shared so many adventures together."

Living World Series - Lining Up in Tsim Sha Tsui

We are sad too that Ju felt he could not continue. We must accept this and remember him and the beautiful art he left for us to appreciate.