Purpose of the Exhibition
This exhibition, themed “JINIAN”, showcases a series of twelve zodiac bronze sculptures by Luo kung wei, offering a reinterpretation of the symbolic meanings of time, seasons, and blessings in traditional Chinese culture. The twelve zodiac animals are more than just markers of years; they are deeply embedded in Taiwan’s folk beliefs, daily customs, and festive traditions, carrying generations of values and life wisdom.
The exhibition aims to promote Taiwan’s traditional culture through the artist’s refined and warm bronze sculptures, guiding the audience to rediscover the aesthetic and cultural significance of the zodiac. It also seeks to enhance public appreciation for local artistic creations. By holding this exhibition, we hope to foster dialogue between tradition and modernity, craft and fine art, memory and the future—ultimately inspiring new artistic creativity and a deeper sense of cultural identity.
Furthermore, through this exhibition and its educational programs, we aspire to deepen the audience’s understanding of core zodiac themes such as “heritage,” “family bonds,” and “auspicious symbolism.” This initiative is part of a broader effort to nurture artistic appreciation and ensure the sustainable transmission of cultural heritage.
Exhibition Overview
The Bestiary of Time, The Chronicle in Bronze
In Chinese culture, the twelve zodiac animals are not merely symbols of passing years; they embody profound life imagery deeply rooted in time and tradition. Each animal represents the essence of its respective year and carries our hopes for prosperity, fortune, and continuity. Luo kung wei Chronicle reinterprets this twelve-year cycle through the language of bronze sculpture.
Using bronze as the medium and form as the spirit, each artwork in this exhibition corresponds to a zodiac year while encapsulating the artist’s reflections on time, family, blessings, and the meaning of life. Luo kung wei has long specialized in bronze sculpture, skillfully blending minimalist, gentle forms with auspicious symbolism. His works can often be found in public art and private collections. This exhibition focuses on his zodiac series, presenting a sculptural dialogue on time, life, and cultural memory.
Chronicle is more than a marker of time—it is a continuation of culture. Through Luo kung wei exquisite bronze works, each zodiac animal transforms into a fable, a memory, and a vision for the future.
We sincerely invite you to step into this special exhibition and listen to the whispered blessings of time’s animals.
Born in 1969 in Taipei, with a master's degree from the Department of Fine Arts at Tunghai University.
After graduating from Fuxing Commercial Art School, I grew up in Taipei, experiencing the solitude and space compression of the city, yet my inner pursuit of perfect harmony has never wavered.
In 1994, I held my first solo exhibition at Dongshan Literary Garden in Hsinchu. In 1997, I held my first sculpture solo exhibition, "Liberation 1997," in Taipei. In 2004, I decided to move my studio to Sanyi, where I have lived for 20 years. Surrounded by mist and mountains, I learned from nature and created freely.
In 2007, I began using binchotan charcoal as a material, developing "charcoal sculpture." In 2010, I met Taiwan Salt Corporation and began collaborating with partners to develop salt sculpture techniques, which continue to be a major part of my artistic creations today.
"Five Elements Sculpture" is a comprehensive work developed over more than 30 years of creation, incorporating the elements: Wood – wood sculpture, Fire – charcoal sculpture, Earth – ceramics, Metal – bronze and stainless steel, and Water – salt sculpture.
"Cloud Pattern" has also become a familiar vocabulary in my work.
In 2016, I began an art pilgrimage. That same year, I was invited to exhibit my "Five Elements Sculpture" at the "Eastern Mysteries" exhibition hosted by the Bologna City Government in Italy, where I was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican, and my salt sculpture "Peace" Madonna was collected.
In 2017, I exhibited in Germany and at the Singapore Biennale. In 2018, I exhibited at the National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan. In 2019, I participated in international art fairs at the Louvre in France and the Taipei International Art Fair in Taiwan.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I exhibited at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taichung 74 Art Center, and Dahe Liu Yi Cultural Center in Taichung.
In 2022, I had a solo exhibition at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, featuring "Charcoal-Salt Dialogue" with black and white sculptures.
From 2024, I will be part of the SDG Sustainability, Love, and Peace Touring Exhibition, organized by Mingwei Enterprises, starting at Fu Jen Catholic University, with upcoming exhibitions in the U.S., the Netherlands, and the Vatican over a span of three years.
