
Cai Zhisong 蔡志松
Lotus No. 2 荷·2#, 2019

Cai Zhisong draws inspiration from statues created during the Qin and Han Dynasties (221–206 BC and 206 BC–220 AD, respectively), eras of rule that defined the political structure and artistic output of his native China. Cai’s life-size sculptures—depicting figures who resemble dynastic leaders, warriors, and servants—combine traditional aesthetics with contemporary forms, materials, and concepts. In his “Motherland” series, characters adorned with ancient hairstyles and clothing assume expressive, non-traditional poses and are fashioned from contemporary materials like fiberglass, resin, copper plate, and brass wire. By fusing past and present, Cai evokes themes of regionalism, globalization, and cultural exchange.


Cai Zhisong draws inspiration from statues created during the Qin and Han Dynasties (221–206 BC and 206 BC–220 AD, respectively), eras of rule that defined the political structure and artistic output of his native China. Cai’s life-size sculptures—depicting figures who resemble dynastic leaders, warriors, and servants—combine traditional aesthetics with contemporary forms, materials, and concepts. In his “Motherland” series, characters adorned with ancient hairstyles and clothing assume expressive, non-traditional poses and are fashioned from contemporary materials like fiberglass, resin, copper plate, and brass wire. By fusing past and present, Cai evokes themes of regionalism, globalization, and cultural exchange.