Duke Kunshan University welcomes four impressive sculptures on campus through a three-year loan from Jing’an Sculpture Park, a renowned public park in Shanghai known for its large collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures.
The project is made possible through a partnership with the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, one of China’s leading contemporary art institutions. The collaboration began in 2024 when a visit to Beijing by John Quelch, DKU Executive Vice Chancellor, led to a connection with the UCCA.
Philip Tinari, director of UCCA and a Duke University alumnus (Class of 2001), has shown great enthusiasm for developing this partnership. His visit to DKU in April 2024, when he gave a talk titled “UCCA and Chinese Contemporary Art in the Global Context,” helped strengthen this relationship and set the stage for bringing the sculptures to campus.
The sculptures feature works from notable artists.
This stainless-steel sculpture is part of Cao’s ongoing series that began in 2021. It reflects on the evolution of life through abstract forms, blending ancient Eastern symbolism with modern industrial materials. Cao, born in Guangzhou, studied at Fudan University and Parsons School of Design in New York. Her work often explores speculative archaeology, merging historical and contemporary influences.
Inspired by Aesop’s fable about the struggle between a snake’s head and tail for control, this two-piece bronze sculpture explores leadership, cooperation, and the consequences of imbalance. Based in Beijing, Zhang holds a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London and a bachelor’s from Central Saint Martins. His work is known for reinterpreting cultural narratives through thought-provoking forms.
A large stainless-steel sculpture built on the principle of tensegrity—balancing tension and compression—this work appears light and airy while standing strong through interconnected branches. De Broin, a Canadian artist with international acclaim, is renowned for his sculptures, installations, and performance art that challenge conventional ideas of structure and space.
Made from stainless steel and bronze, this installation features rows of solemn standing figures, elevated on a steel structure that isolates them from natural elements like wind and rain. The piece reflects themes of unity, societal order, and memory. Wang, based in Beijing, holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. His work often explores societal reflection and collective memory through minimalist forms.
“Art has the power to inspire creativity, spark dialogue, and enrich campus life,” Dr. John Quelch said. “These remarkable sculptures will not only enhance our surroundings but also encourage our community to engage with diverse ideas and cultural perspectives. We are honored to collaborate with UCCA and Jing’an Sculpture Park to share the works of these respected artists with our community.”
“This collaboration with DKU brings outstanding public art to campus, enriching the academic environment and making contemporary art more accessible to the entire DKU community,” Philip Tinari said. “We are excited to see these sculptures displayed on campus, creating new opportunities for engagement with contemporary art.”
Previously, beginning April 30, 2024, DKU unveiled “SELF-PORTRAIT: Fantasies of the World,” a nearly three-meter-tall bronze sculpture by French artist Guillaume Talbi. The striking piece now stands prominently in the courtyard of the Administration Building.
Later, DKU introduced another sculpture, “The Force Awakens,” by contemporary Chinese artist Gu Zhongsheng. Located on the first floor of the Sports Complex, the work serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit.
