Lot Essay
The Taichi Series (Lot 1245) created in 1990s has already exhibited a rather abstract outline; in addition to the displaying the sculpture's force and outline through the two individual figures, Ju Ming, by presenting the sculpture in a duelling format, also emphasises the corresponding balance relationship, embodying the Taoist concept of tempering the force with mercy, as well as the waxing and waning of Yin and Yang. In the 1970's, facilitated by the Taiwan Literature Movement, Taiwanese art began to burgeon the petition for "return of the native, recognize Taiwan," aiming to restore the local cultural bases amidst the chaotic social environment. During the time, Ju had responded to the Movement in artistic creation. Being the major source of labour for farmers in the old days, cattle is closely related with people's life; Homeland Series Boar (Lot 1246) and A Set of 12 Zodiac Animals-Sheep (Lot 1247) has the meaning of "good luck with everything" and "the New Year heralds prosperity" respectively in Chinese tradition, in addition, as Ju Ming was raised in a rural village, these animals remind Ju Ming of his time in the rural village. A Set of Twelve Zodiac Animals (Lot 1248) is a set of 12 animals each represents a particular year for the Chinese, Ju Ming is not limited to realistic imitation of the animal's external feature, under the three-dimensional orientation, he creates a distinctive image for each animal according to their special features and habitual behaviour.