Through reverence for the past, Ren Zhe creates figures that encapsulate the heights of human nature. He sees art as a philosophy and philosophy as a road map through which humanity can be led to new destinations. Ren Zhe creates figures that represent classical philosophical teachings. Rendering these ideals as tangible, he gives life to the teaching, putting spirit into his sculptural forms and creating work that acts as vessels for embodied philosophical concepts. Valuing ideologies that centre on passing one’s limits, inner strength and the pursuit of perfection, Ren Zhe’s vessels often take the shape of warriors. To Ren Zhe, the true strength of a warrior lies in his constant cultivation of the spirit, an aspirational state he believes we should all strive to achieve.
In 罡 ‘GANG’ : The Awakened Warrior, Ren Zhe uses the warrior figure to examine 罡 ‘Gang’ . The term 罡 ‘Gang’ represents positive energy in classical Chinese dialects. This exhibition aims to explore the relationship between the positive energy in oneself and the process of “mediation”, “self-realization,” and “harmonization between humans and nature”, which are well-known cornerstones in Chinese philosophy. The warrior figures personify the dynamic tranquillity of this relationship.
Ren Zhe combines his knowledge of traditional philosophy with a deep understanding of his craft to create aesthetically stunning and intellectually layered work. In his hyperrealistic, often monumentally colossal pieces, every detail is handled with care, and sometimes even the fibres in an article of clothing become apparent. A connection to technique and tradition has led him to acclaim. He has been collected by institutions internationally, held solo exhibitions across the globe and, in 2019, became the first artist to hold a large-scale solo sculptural exhibition at Taimiao Temple in the Bejing Palace. His figures embody traditional philosophy through a visually striking, hyperrealist vessel allowing current generations across the globe access to the roadmaps left to us by past generations.
Venue: Paragon Atrium, 290 Orchard Rd, Lvl 1 Atrium, Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859
When: 1 - 24 Sep 2023, 10am - 9pm
By: Linda Gallery
