JU MING

Living World, another famous series of Ju Ming, reflects his awareness and understanding of real life; in contrast with the Taichi series, Living World makes use of a wider variety of materials: including not just wood but also stone, clay, and metal. Once, during an interview, Ju Ming remarked, "By nature I dislike repetition; I prefer change." Begun after the Taichi series, Living World features more concrete images and subject matter that is closer to everyday life-basically, whatever strikes the sculptor's fancy. In the Living World series, Ju Ming faithfully presents life in all its variety, as seen through his eyes. In the next piece, Living World: Swimming (Lot 3386), Ju Ming uses the unique attributes of stainless steel to display the luster and softness of female skin: unlike heavy wood or stone, metal gives the figures a light gracefulness. In addition, Ju Ming has boldly experimented with adding color to the piece by painting on the girls' swimsuits. The contrast between black and white emphasizes the movements of the girls; the observer also seems to share the happiness with the girls playing in the water and from the richness of their friendship.