Stainless steel sculpture Edition: 5/9

90×60×46 cm. 35 3/8×23 5/8×18 1/8 in.

Signed in Chinese and Pinyin, numbered on the back
EXHIBITED (different edition)
17 – 30 Mar 2017, GANG – The Awakened Warrior – Ren Zhe Sculpture Exhibition, The Rotunda, Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong

PROVENANCE
Elliot James & Tyndal, Hong Kong
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

Aspirations and Innocence:
Ren Zhe's Modern Warriors

"The spirit of warriors is not about conquest or killing, but about continuously surpassing oneself."
— Ren Zhe

Ren Zhe was born in Beijing in 1983. His artistic ambition began in his youth, leading him to study sculpture at Tsinghua University's Academy of Fine Arts in 2001, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. Having practised calligraphy and martial arts since childhood, Ren deeply studied ancient Greek, Egyptian, and modern Chinese and Western sculptures during his education, developing a unique style centred on modern warriors and heroic themes. His works are part of collections in the Palace Museum in Beijing, the National Art Museum of China, Tsinghua University's Academy of Fine Arts, and the Korea Art Bank. In 2019, he became the first contemporary Chinese artist to hold a large-scale solo exhibition at Beijing's Imperial Ancestral Temple. Three years later, one of his sculptures was sent into space aboard the Ceres-1 rocket, making him the first artist to exhibit in a sun-synchronous orbit. In 2024, his seven-month solo exhibition A Path to Glory in Hong Kong captivated both local and international audiences, highlighting his achievements and influence.

Mirror Hero: Our Awakening

Ren Zhe's pursuit of the heroic dream makes themes like "warriors", "heroes", and "warhorses" the hallmarks of his work. He begins with sketches in ink or pen, then moulds the figures in clay to capture their form and spirit. After making and refining the mould, he sculpts and polishes the piece until it embodies the "essence, energy, and spirit" he strives for. As Ren Zhe states, "Sculpture is the process of giving life and soul to the piece." The featured work, Great Ease,completed in 2015, uses stainless steel's reflective qualities to give traditional warriors a contemporary edge, allowing interaction between the piece, its environment, and the viewer. This interaction facilitates self-reflection while interpreting the artwork. This piece represents Ren Zhe's commitment to his inner ideals, creating pure, heroic works that lead to self-awakening through dialogue with heroes.

Great Ease portrays a lone warrior moving forward. Holding a long staff, his towering stance symbolizes a hero undeterred by challenges, filled with the ambition and determination to traverse the world. Ren employs techniques such as "splashing", "smearing", and "spattering" to create a dynamic, fluid texture on the warrior's body, contrasting sharply with the rough horizontal textures of his garment. This balance between vertical and horizontal elements imparts the piece with both external equilibrium and profound internal depth, reflecting the martial spirit of balance and restraint. By casting his sculptures in stainless steel, Ren Zhe melds technological and futuristic elements with the spiritual and aesthetic essence of Chinese culture, allowing his warriors to transcend time. In today's rapidly changing society, his works continuously revive the patriotic spirit of classic culture, stirring the hearts of the people.

Price estimate:
HKD 80,000 – 150,000
USD 10,300 – 19,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 312,000