Fascinating Carved Wooden Figures Give The Impression Like That They Are Trapped Inside

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“Inner Turmoil”

As we say all the time, art is a thing that never fails to surprise us. It amazes us in different ways. We witness special skills in all types of artwork we see. Sometimes, these skills are ones that we've never even thought of.

The Taiwanese artist Tung Ming-Chin is a type of such artist who has mastery skills in giving life to metaphors and concepts. He transforms wood into emotive sculptures that deal with different emotions and the subconscious mind. Therefore, we found his sculptures that show figures trapped within the wood, pressing themselves against the outer layer in an attempt to break free. The uniqueness of the sculptures is further increased as the shape of the sculpture changes with the perspective of it.

Breath (2013) is one of his works of art in which he used a special metaphor of “the transformation of a physical space into an inner psychological space affected by vision.” The wooden humps that are like tortoise shells inspire the viewer to ponder the mystery encased within.

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“Breath”

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“Breath”

The artist transforms wood into quite thin tissue paper nailed to a wall in Inner Turmoil to show that the person inside is pushing against the wall. These sculptures can be considered as a way to see the inner unrest in life.

“The Birth of a New Hero”

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“The Birth of a New Hero”

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

He also uses familiar cultural symbols such as squares and rounds. Moreover, he plays with forms of traditional jade bi and jade cong that symbolize the sky and the earth in Chinese culture. It's a kind of nostalgia too.

“Between Round and Square: Past, Present, and Future”

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“Between Round and Square: Past, Present, and Future”

Image source: Taiwan Contemporary Art Archive

“My works are often presented in prismatic form that could demonstrate the passage of time. The ancient jade cong lays at the bottom while the plastic bottle sits on top. The hidden part in the middle develops the imagination. The body contains utensils that are used to see the change of lifestyle and time of people. However, finally, all should remember that though the people change with time the aesthetic will last forever."

“Between Round and Square: Past, Present, and Future”