Sculpture "Shy Boy" (2013), bronze
Sculpture "Shy Boy" (2013), bronze
Quick info
limited, 999 copies | signed | certificate | bronze | patinated | stainless steel pedestal | size 30 x 11 x 9 cm (h/w/d) | weight 1.2 kg
Detailed description
Sculpture "Shy Boy" (2013), 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 "Shy Boy", which shows a naked, carefree boy. 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 him an independent and powerful symbol of freedom, naturalness and joie de vivre.
Sculpture in bronze, hand-patinated in red, cast using the Lost-Wax-Process on a pedestal of stainless steel. Limited edition of 999 copies, signed. With certificate. Size 30 x 11 x 9 cm (h/w/d). Weight 1.2 kg.
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 not only in his own country but also internationally.
He studied art and design and has been exhibiting his works regularly at home and abroad since 2001. As a winner of numerous awards, he 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. He is also represented in collections in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. He lives and works as a professional artist in Beijing.
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 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.
When casting bronze, the artist usually applies the lost-wax technique which is dating back more than 5000 years. It's the best, but also the most complex method of producing sculptures.
First, the artist forms a model of his sculpture. It is embedded in a liquid silicone rubber mass. Once the material has solidified, the model is cut out. The liquid wax is 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, whereby the wax flows out (lost mould).
Now we finally have the negative form, into which the 1400° C hot molten bronze is poured. After the bronze had cooled down, the ceramic shell is broken off and the sculpture is revealed.
Now the sprues are removed, the surfaces are polished, patinated and numbered by the artist himself or, to his specifications, by a specialist. Thus, each casting becomes 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 complex lost-wax technique in terms of surface characteristics and quality.
Term for an art object (sculpture, installation), which is produced in multiple copies in a limited and numbered edition according to the artist‘s will.
Artist's multiples have been called the most accessible and affordable art on the market.
A plastic work of sculptural art made of wood, stone, ivory, bronze or other metals.
While sculptures from wood, ivory or stone are made directly from the block of material, 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.