A rethinking of traditional craftsmanship, classical iconography, and contemporary sculptural identity.
Huang Yulong’s MIROKU is not related to religion. Instead, it is a reflection on the current state of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and a thoughtful response to traditional iconography through a sense of reverence. The work presents Maitreya in the form of a hoodie-clad figure, transforming a familiar traditional cultural symbol into a contemporary sculptural language.
The sculpture brings together Eastern and Western sculptural cultures and aesthetic differences. While retaining the qualities of tolerance, wisdom, and calmness traditionally associated with Maitreya, it also introduces the modern identity and subtle self-deprecating humor found in the Hoodie Man series. The gold leaf on bronze gives the work a rich, luminous golden texture, combining the solemn presence of traditional iconography with the visual tension of contemporary art.
MIROKU is not a simple reproduction of a classical image. It allows a traditional symbol to be seen, understood, and felt again within a new contemporary context.
Sculpture Details
Title: MIROKU Size: H 300mm × W 250mm × L 200mm Material: Gold Leaf on Bronze Weight: 5.8 kg Color: Gold Year: 2019 Edition: 33
Warm Reminder: Measurements are taken manually and may be subject to slight variations.
