Sculpture "Games" (2017), bronze
Sculpture "Games" (2017), bronze
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limited, 300 copies | signed | certificate | bronze | patinated | stainless steel pedestal | size 46 x 13 x 16 cm (h/w/d) | weight 2.4 kg
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Sculpture "Games" (2017), bronze
Chen Wenling deals with various current but also timeless themes in his works, e.g. changes within society, the nature of human beings or the growing consumerism. His sculptures are full of symbolism and combine critical commentary with subtle humour. The sometimes grotesque exaggeration of the motifs makes them particularly striking.
This is also the case with the sculpture "Games" shows two naked, carefree boys. However, it is not true to reality but rather presented in the bright signal colour of red and with surreal shapes of arms and legs. This deliberate manipulation of the human form makes it an independent and powerful symbol of freedom, naturalness and joie de vivre.
Sculpture in bronze, hand-patinated red, cast using the Lost-Wax-Process on a pedestal of stainless steel. Limited edition of 300 copies, signed. With certificate. Size 46 x 13 x 16 cm (h/w/d). Weight 2.4 kg.
Producer: ars mundi Edition Max Büchner GmbH, Bödekerstraße 13, 30161 Hanover, Germany, [email protected]
About Chen Wenling
The sculptor Chen Wenling, born in Fujian in 1969, is currently one of China's most important contemporary artists. His sculptures and installations have been continuously successful, both domestically and internationally.
He studied art and design and has been exhibiting his works regularly at home and abroad since 2001. The recipient of numerous awards, was represented at Art Basel, the Shanghai Biennale, and the renowned open-air exhibitions "Sculpture by the Sea" in Sydney, Perth and Aarhus. In Germany, his work was last exhibited in 2012 as part of a presentation of contemporary Chinese art in Kassel. Additionally, his works are represented in collections in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. He lives and works as a professional artist in Beijing.
In his works, Chen Wenling deals with various current as well as timeless themes, such as changes within society, the nature of human beings, and the growing consumerism. His life-size sculptures are full of symbolism and combine critical commentary with subtle humour. The somewhat grotesque exaggerated motifs are particularly striking for the viewer.
An alloy of copper with other metals (especially with tin) used since ancient times. It is an ideal metal for high-quality artistic castings, capable of enduring for millennia.
When casting bronze, the artist usually applies the lost-wax technique which is dating back more than 5000 years. This is the best, but also the most complex method of producing sculptures.
First, the artist forms a model of their work. This model is embedded in a liquid silicone rubber mass. Once the material has solidified, the model is cut out, leaving a negative mould. Liquid wax is then poured into the negative mould. After cooling down, the wax cast is removed from the mould, provided with sprues and dipped into ceramic mass. The ceramic mass is hardened in a kiln, where the wax melts away (lost mould).
Finally, the negative mould is ready, into which the 1400° C hot molten bronze is poured. After the bronze had cooled down, the ceramic shell is broken apart, reavoling the sculpture.
Next, the sprues are removed, the surfaces are polished, patinated and numbered by the artist or by a specialist, following their instructions. Thus, each casting is an original work.
For lower-quality bronze castings, the sand casting method is often used, which, however, does not achieve the results of a more elaborate lost-wax technique in terms of surface characteristics and quality.
Term for an art object (sculpture, installation) that, according to the artist’s intention, is produced in multiple copies within a limited and numbered edition.
Multiples enable the "democratization" of art by making the work accessible and affordable for a wider audience.
A plastic work of sculptural art made of wood, stone, ivory, bronze or other metals.
While sculptures made of wood, ivory, or stone are carved directly from the material block, in bronze casting, a working model is prepared at first. Usually, it is made of clay or other easily mouldable materials.
The prime time of sculpture after the Greek and Roman antiquity was the Renaissance. Impressionism gave a new impulse to the sculptural arts. Contemporary artists such as Jorg Immendorf, Andora, and Markus Lupertz also enriched sculptures with outstanding works.