A Conversation with Chicago: Contemporary Sculptures from China

Contemporary Chinese sculpture has something to say.  

In recent years, art from China has become one of the fastest growing and most dynamic trends of the international art scene.  These four large sculptures, never before seen in the United States, bring the global conversation into one of Chicago's most popular public spaces, Millennium Park

• Sui Jianguo, Windy City Dinosaur, 2009

• Zhan Wang, Jia Shan Shi No. 46, 2001

• Chen Wengling, Valiant Struggle No. 11, 2006

• Shen Shaomin, Kowtow Pump, 2007

Coming from different regions and educational backgrounds, these four artists use different materials and visual styles, but show commonalities as well.  All are inspired by traditional Chinese art, commercial culture, folk art, and industrial machinery as they explore ways to react to public space.

Each one engages with important world issues including the energy crisis, materialism, and globalization.  Having traveled from China to Chicago, they aim to stimulate dialogue between these two places.

Contemporary Sculptures from China is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Millennium Park, in cooperation with Millennium Park Inc., and is sponsored by The Boeing Company with support from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.