About the artwork
This sketch, a prelude to Xie Ai Ge’s Tai Chi series features her signature symbols of a bird, tree and man. A man holds on to a tree trunk while straining to reach the uppermost branch. To Xie Ai Ge, this strenuous task symbolizes man's eternal journey towards freedom, as he climbs the path of spiritual attainment. Moreover, the bird represents freedom and emancipation, which the figure is earning for. Thus, in this playful sketch, Xie expresses the very human desire to be freed of one’s earthly binds and find solace in the attainment of spiritual liberty.
About the artist
Born in Hunan province in 1977, Xie Ai Ge made her name in the international art world with a host of remarkable works in bronze and synthetic materials. Graduated from the Shanghai Fine Arts College, she was recognized early as a promising young sculptor and in 2005, was acclaimed by art critics for her innovative work during her exhibition in the Shanghai Duolon Museum of Modern Art. The artist has progressed to exhibit globally with a focus on China and the US, where her works are part of many prestigious collections. Xie Ai Ge currently lives and works in Shanghai, China.