Asia Art Center is pleased to present the solo exhibition of the late Taiwanese master sculptor JU Ming (1938-2023) at Frieze Masters, Frieze Seoul 2024. Known as a household name in the Chinese speaking world, Ju Ming’s Taichi sculptures are instantly recognisable and can be found in renowned establishments worldwide. This presentation explores the sculptor’s philosophical approaches to humanity and nature, with the artist transforming the “patterns” and “inner spirit” of Taichi into elements of artistic creation in the mid-1970s. The six sculptural works on show date from 1983 to 2000. “Taichi Series” initially began with the depiction of classical movements, but the figures gradually moved away from the “form” and became more spontaneous as the artist delved further into the series. Ju’s understanding of Taichi as a martial art allowed him to achieve a dynamic balance where form and spirit coexist, breathing life and vitality into his sculptures.

A pair of two figures in motion are presented as the centrepiece of this exhibition, interpreting the “yin” and “yang” of Taichi through the flowing movements. Whilst three smaller sculptures depict Taichi martial arts moves such as attack, leg kick, and single-whip postures. “Taichi Series–Taichi Arch” is seen as the grand finale that brings Ju Ming’s “Taichi Series” to perfection. Named after a clean “arch” shape, it aims to capture something simple yet profound—the quintessential quality of “not releasing and resisting directly” in a double Taichi practice—and to translate it artistically into a form of extreme abstraction. The lively interplay of void and substantiality, the fusion of firm yet tender contours, the delicate alternation of coarse and fine geometric surfaces, along with the symmetrical yet imperfectly balanced plasticity, all converge to create a space that exudes a captivating sense of both weightiness and airiness.

The works not only showcase the sculptor’s artistic achievements but are also reflective of his introspective cultivation. In his art, he harmonizes the inner spirit of humanity with the external material, expressing a natural view imbued with Eastern temperament. The artist’s emphasis on the integration of art and life underscores the belief that life itself is the entirety of artistic existence. Rooted in nature and driven by constant innovation, his works encapsulate both traditional and modern elements which deserve high recognition.

Stressing that “art is an arduous spiritual practice,” Ju Ming believed artistic practice must be deeply rooted in everyday life, and the everyday constitutes the sum of artistic life. Created by an artist who has endured unimaginable hardship including mental health issues, the Taichi sculptures are more than artistic creations but also a manifestation of a spiritual journey. The timeless presence of copper enriches the harmony of emptiness and substance whilst the flow of movement in contrast with an air of stillness generate a fascinating sense of serene grandeur that is unique to the artist.

JU Ming Solo Exhibition

Booth | M09 Frieze Masters

Artist | JU Ming

Dates | 2024.09.04-07

VIP Preview
Sep 04 (Wed) 11:00 – 19:00
Sep 05 (Thurs) 11:00 – 15:00

Public Open
Sep 05 (Thurs) 15:00 – 19:00
Sep 06 (Fri) 11:00 – 19:00
Sep 07 (Sat) 11:00 – 19:00

Venue | COEX, Halls C&D, 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 삼성동 COEX, Halls C&D)

Frieze Highlights |

https://www.frieze.com/article/icons-renaissance-20th-century-frieze-masters-frieze-seoul-2024