Ju Ming, Taiwan’s most famous sculptor, has focused almost exclusively on humans as the main subject matter of his art over the years. Possessing a keen sense of perception, Ju shows the most extraordinary aspects of ordinary people in ways that leave you awe-struck by their vividness and moved by this overwhelming sense of peering directly in the mirror when viewing his works. Forming part of his Living World Series, Ju’s solo exhibit Citizen is a series of 80 human-scale wooden sculptures focusing on Taiwanese people and society in general. The exhibition portrays ordinary city dwellers from all walks of life in a grouped installation that expresses the diversity of humanity in sublime splendor.
The unpainted and rough-textured sculptures utilize the naturally warm and smooth colors of the fir tree to express how all life comes into this world completely naked and unadorned. Referring to the dignified, congenial-looking ancient Buddhist sculptures of yore, Ju brings out the equality, modesty and nobility of each individual city dweller in ways that bestow upon them a beaming radiance. Whether it be meant to portray a gentleman, a young person, a lady, a cellist, a married couple, lovers or friends, Ju’s sculptures show the bliss and brilliance of every person.
The exhibit will be on display at Kalos Gallery off of Dunhua S Rd in Taipei until Feb. 8.
(Liberty Times, Translated by Kyle Jeffcoat)
Photo: Liao Chen-hui, Liberty Times
照片：自由時報記者廖振輝
多年來朱銘聚焦於「人」的創作系列，每每在平凡人物的刻畫上展現不凡的觀察力，讓同為平凡人的觀者，時而因為朱銘的刻畫入微大感驚奇，時而因為如「鏡照自己」的人物形象感到心有戚戚。最新木雕創作個展「人間系列—市民」，以八十件大型木雕，為凡常百姓造像，透過群體裝置，展現數大美感。
此次新作以木色溫潤、質樸芳香的香杉木原色呈現，訴說所有的生命裸裎而來，同樣平等、卑微與高貴，參考古代佛像的尊嚴與溫情為凡人面相，則讓市民雕像煥發人性容光，無論紳士、青年人、女士與大提琴家，或夫妻、戀人與朋友，同時透露人世的喜樂與光輝。
即日起在台北真善美畫廊敦南館展出至二月八日。
（自由時報記者凌美雪）
Photo: Yu Chao-fu, Liberty Times
照片：自由時報記者俞肇福
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Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日） https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang Living on the ISS is challenging due to the absence of gravity. Astronauts must strap themselves into sleeping bags to prevent floating away while they sleep. They also spend about two hours exercising daily using specialized equipment. Despite this, microgravity can cause muscle loss, bone density reduction and cardiovascular changes. As a result, astronauts require extensive rehabilitation upon their return to Earth. In spite of these difficulties, astronauts often describe their experience on the ISS as life-changing. One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of living aboard the space station is the unparalleled view of Earth. Traveling at
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