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Cai Zhi Song

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Biography

Born in 1972 Shenyang Liaoning Province in China, Cai Zhi Song graduated from the Sculpture Department of Central Academy of Fine Arts,Beijing. Gaining international recognition with his powerful sculpture works,Cai Zhi Song was the first Chinese artist to win the prestigious Taylor prize at Paris Autumn Salon in Eiffel-Branly. The Autumn Salon which was established in 1903 has had famous artists who participated, namely Matisse, Renoir, Rodin and many more.

Cai Zhi Song’s great technical skills and inventiveness to take sculptural inspirations from the Qin and Han dynasties allowed him to create and transform historically endowed entities into new significant masterpieces.His attention to details often impresses the viewers as he creates each figure’s ornate hairstyles with thin wires, making it look so real. The figures in his works often convey the mourning of losses historically and culturally however, they also often convey and remind us of the hardships of life which evokes feelings that every viewer can closely relate to.

Cai Zhi Song was one of the five artists elected to attend Venice Biennale 2011 representing the Chinese Pavilion where his most recent creation entitled “Cloud” was displayed in the art festival. The automatic rise and fall movement of the clouds which is controlled and determined by the temperature and the weather variations of the surrounding made a breakthrough in the  experiences that one can get from viewing a sculpture artwork. Visitors can walk through freely between the clouds, feeling a sense of Zen and calmness as if one is on in the sky.

Motherland

Cai Zhi Song's latest series ofworks-"Motherland"- not only shows his fascination with ancient Chinese culture but also addresses the dangers and consequences of cultural erosion in the face of today's increasing globalization. An attempt to counteract this development, his artwork attempts to establish an indigenous form of contemporary art.

Created with great technical skill and inventiveness, Cai Zhi Song's impressive sculptures derive their inspiration from the sculptures of the Qin (221-206 B.C.) and Han Dynasties (206/202 B.C. -220). Taking empirical figures, servants and warriors as his models, he uses modern techniques and materials to transform historically endowed entities into an entirely new significance and actuality. Out of glass-fibre reinforced resin and thin sheets of metal Cai Zhi Song creates figures that capture the viewer's imagination and achieve a timeless beauty. Intricate surface detail, such as the figures' ornate hairstyles created out of thin wires, contrast with the simple, clear shapes and poses of his sculptures. Although impressive in size,the use of high-tech material makes the figures seem amazingly light. 

Although muscular, the figures' muscles do not overemphasize the physique, but instead the figure's outline and shape remain smooth and clear. The power of these figures communicates itself through their large heads and limbs. Their poses of humiliation and suppression contrast with their size and implied strength, while the nakedness of the figures further emphasizes their vulnerability.


Selected Exhibitions 

2011

Solo Exhibition, Ode to Art Gallery, Singapore
Chinese Pavilion at the 54th Venice International Biennale, Venice, Italy

Black White, Zero Art Museum, 798 Factory, Beijing, China

2010

Sharing with Classic, Beijing, China

Passing Territory: Chinese and Foreign Masters Fine Print Exhibition

2009

CISAE 2009, Beijing China

The 1st Youth Art Biennale in Chongqing,Chongqing, China

 Print Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Artists,Chongqing, China

Northeast Hotpot: 1st Show of ACEA 2009, La Ke’erArt Center, Beijing, China

2008

The Floating Art, Beijing, China

2007

Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture, 798 Factory, Beijing, China

2006

1st China Document, China World Art Museum, Beijing, China

Chinese Contemporary Sketches Exhibition, Beijing, China

2005

Installation & Sculpture Exhibition, Kennedy Art Center, Washington D.C., USA

Open Spaces Sculpture Exhibition, Beijing LOFTEL, Beijing, China

2004

Imagination: China Contemporary Sculptures Exhibition, Palais Du Louvre Square, Paris, France

Fine Arts Works Exhibition for the 55th of Fine Arts, Beijing, China

The 10th National Fine Arts Exhibition,National Gallery of Fine Arts, Beijing

2003

Chinese Sculpture Exhibition, Beijing, China

First United Beijing Biennial International Art Exhibition, China

Motherland 2003: Cai Zhi Song’s Sculptural Works at Paris Autumn Salon, Solo Exhibition, 
and Embassy Beijing

2001

Chinese Contemporary Arts Travelling Exhibition, Europe

Exceptional Sculpture Exhibition of International Fine Arts Presidents Forum, Central Academy Fine Arts, 
Beijing, China

1998

1st United Exhibition of Young Sculptors’ Works, Art Gallery of Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, 
China

 

Awards

 

2004

Obtained the President’s Prize at Central Academy of Fine Arts 

Obtained Bronze Prize at the 10th National Art Exhibition 

2003

Obtained Outstanding Work Prize at the Fuzhou International Invitational Sculpture Exhibition 

2001

Awarded the Taylor Prize, China 

Awarded the Outstanding Artwork Award Hebei International Sculpture Exhibition

 


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