Xu Zhen

Xu Zhen’s Eternity features a dragon from the Six Dynasties period (220-589 CE) with reference to Brancusi Sleeping Muse in a profound meditation on artistic heritage. The dragon, traditionally a symbol of divine power during the Six Dynasties - a pivotal era when individual artists first gained prominence in Chinese art history - is juxtaposed with the serene, egg-shaped form of the Western classical muse.

The muse, placed beneath the dragon's abdomen, creates a dialogue about fertility and creative potential. Crafted from mineral-based composites and pigments, the significance of this sculpture lies in its fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions, where the dragon's fluid forms complement the muse's pure form, creating what Xu calls a ‘new visual experience’ that transcends cultural boundaries. The work is a meditation on the interconnected nature of our world, where cultural symbols are at once preserved and reimagined, transcending geographical and temporal limitations through artistic intervention.