SINGAPORE- 4 – 17 May 2008 will mark the inaugural solo-exhibition of the splendidly vibrant sculptures and collages from the third critically-acclaimed series- the Living World, by renowned sculptor Ju Ming (b. 1938) at the National Museum in Jakarta. His debut exhibition in Indonesia will feature 36 of his sculptural art from this series that comprises of five major life-sized wood sculptures created in 2007. In addition, 10 carefully selected collages will also be on exhibit. Markedly distinct from his previous series, the Living World is more vivacious as it is drawn from the everyday moments of the everyman.

The recent years have seen Ju Ming developing tremendously with the Living World series as observed through the creative metamorphosis of his wood works that are now painted mainly in white as opposed to his earlier colourful works. “It is no longer necessary to put a lot of colours on sculptures… it obscures the in-born quality of the sculpture…” Ju Ming had commented. These works, as with his earlier ones, are sculpted at high speed and each contact between the blade and medium is undeterred by extraneous influences or conscious knowledge. The ultimate sculptures are raw and unpretentious, the actualization of Ju Ming’s artistic creativity.

The Living World collages are just as unique with the subjects in animated poses created by skilful strokes that are soft and carefree. As these strokes convene, they create similarly cheery characters seemingly engaged in a lighthearted afternoon chat. As with the painted wood sculptures; the collages are imbued with robust cultural elements distinguished by the tribal garments and headpiece donned by the sculptural figures and the subjects within the collage works.

Altogether, the group of painted wood sculptures and collages from the Living World is a kaleidoscope of lively colours, a kaleidoscope of life.