Artwork Description

Title:Taiqing Pithecus

Artist
Ma Hongfa

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Sculpture

Dimensions
6.7 x 5.5 x 31.5 in (17 x 14 x 80 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Taiqing Pithecus is a striking sculptural work by Ma Hongfa, showcasing a contemplative primate perched atop a towering, abstract column. The figure sits in a pensive pose, invoking both myth and meditation. The vertical column below is textured with organic, undulating motifs reminiscent of ancient rock formations or gnarled wood, anchoring the piece in a timeless, almost spiritual terrain. Executed with a matte, earthy surface treatment, the sculpture draws the viewer’s eye upward, accentuating the isolation and introspection of the solitary figure.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Ma Hongfa’s work is deeply rooted in the aesthetic traditions of Chinese classical sculpture, yet his formal vocabulary bridges mythology with abstraction. In Taiqing Pithecus, the artist’s interest in spiritual symbolism and archaic archetypes manifests through the synthesis of figuration and surreal verticality. The elongated base evokes the mystical mountains and naturalistic altars of Daoist iconography, while the monkey figure—an animal rich in Chinese myth and allegory—becomes a vessel of transcendental inquiry and narrative potential.

3. Historical Context
Born in 1984 in Heze, Shandong, Ma Hongfa matured during a period of great cultural introspection in China. His work reflects a dialogue between the spiritual heritage of Chinese antiquity and the conceptual freedom of contemporary art practice. Taiqing Pithecus draws from Daoist thought and Chinese bestiary symbolism, where monkeys often represent cleverness, ambition, or the pursuit of immortality. The Title: references “Taiqing,” associated with the highest heavenly realm in Daoism, suggesting a metaphysical or philosophical ascent.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The sculpture is in very good condition, with no visible losses, cracks, or surface abrasions. The sculptural finish is consistent and stable, and no conservation work is currently recommended. The piece is structurally sound and suitable for display in a variety of settings.

6. Artistic Significance
Taiqing Pithecus exemplifies Ma Hongfa’s sophisticated approach to fusing spiritual narrative with sculptural experimentation. As a practitioner of the classical Chinese sculptural spirit, he reimagines mythic forms through a contemporary lens, creating works that are meditative, poetic, and rooted in cultural consciousness. This sculpture stands as both a singular object of visual intrigue and a profound reflection on the inner journey—marking it as a significant piece within the artist’s evolving oeuvre and an ideal acquisition for collectors of symbolic contemporary Chinese art.