The culture of landscape rocks has extended to a board range of influence and history and thus become an integral part of Chinese culture. From the rocks people see the epitome of the universe, upon which they travel in their mind and discover their spiritual sustenance. Su Yuan Shi Pu by Lin Youlin of Ming Dynasty sets down 102 different kinds of rocks, among which is the noted Taihu rock. Mountains and caves that are presented upon Taihu rock symbolizes seclusion or aloofness, representing in a sense the idea of Daoism or Chan (Chinese Buddhism). It is a vital plastic element for Chinese classical gardens, and standard of being hollow, translucent, slim and crinkled has been developed to appreciate it. Nowadays, gardens (of original significance) no longer exist, and artificial rocks left without its original context thus loses its original significance, or even turns into a mere symbol. In order to endow such symbols with new connotation, ZHAN Wang started in 1995 to create artificial rocks on stainless steel, aiming to reinterpret traditional Chinese culture and present the city’s industrialization progress. Artificial Rocks No.102 was created in 2006. After experiments on reproducing Chinese artificial rocks, ZHAN’s works have got taken off the binding to nature, but developed a strong connection with the structures of modern cities, reflecting the complication and conflicts of modern lifestyles. By the artist’s delicate polishing, Taihu rocks carved out of stainless steel are similar in their appearance to natural ones; what differ are the stronger toughness and luster. Such sculptures have been completely modernized, and, standing in the metropolitan, they are no longer responsible for decorating the gardens; instead, they are themselves participants interacting with the audience in the environment.
Zhan Wang
Zhan Wang (1962-) was born in Beijing. As one of the most important Chinese contemporary artists, Zhan Wang and his representative works are well known around art world. He lives and works in Beijing.Literati Rock series copied a natural stone, addressing people's need to return to nature: to return to the earth and to its stones, in order to obtain spiritual relieve.
Exhibitions: Universe, STPI, Singapore (2012);
Zhan Wang -- My Personal Universe, UCCA, Beijing 798 (2011) ;
54th International Art Biennale in Venezia - Future Pass Venezia, Italy (2011);
Suyuan Stone Generator -- 1 Hour Equals 100 Million Years, Today Art Museum, Beijing (2010);
Art for the World: the Sculpture Project of the EXPO Boulevaro world Shanghai 2010, Shanghai (2010);
Garden Utopia, National Art Museum of China, Beijing (2008),etc.