Sculpting with Time
Ding Hao is a sculpture artist based in Wuhan, China. His works are inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, landscape paintings, and modern society. Born in Zhucheng, Shandong Province, Ding completed his undergraduate studies at the Shandong University of Arts, and his master’s studies in sculpture at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts. After holding a teaching position at the Wuhan Institute of Technology from 2015 to 2017, he is now pursuing his doctorate at the Chinese National Academy of Arts. His critically acclaimed sculptures have been exhibited across China and the world.



Ding seeks to express the sublime through his non-traditional approach to sculpting form, structure, and space. He is currently working on a series of works that are inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, but at the same time, the series will also incorporate modern architecture into the design. He tells us, “Each artist will have a purpose in mind when selecting a theme for his works, but he will naturally also be influenced by the features of his surrounding environment. For example, if you’re an artist in modern China, you will definitely be influenced by city architecture: High-rise apartments, skyscrapers, the endless urban expansion, these are all elements that I’ll incorporate into my works.”



Although he draws primarily from his own experience to create his sculptures, Ding is also quick to point out other notable artists whom he admires. He tell us, “In my creative process, I won’t purposely search out or borrow from the works of others. My work comes entirely from my own interests, personal growth and experiences, or my surrounding environment. From that, I’ll slowly find my way. So I don’t study the works of other artists on purpose. But I do like the works of M. C. Escher. My works might have some commonalities with his images, with his surrealist approach to architecture and the impossible worlds he creates.” Another artist whom Ding admires is Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki. “I feel like his films are suitable for all ages,” he says. “They’re not just for children. He has a deep understanding of human nature and society, which are universal topics. So I like his works a lot. They’re quite inspirational. ”



As an artist, Ding is conscious of the historical context of sculpture as a human art form. He explains, “If we consider the origins of sculpture, the most ancient sculptures all had to do with religion. They had to do with offering sacrifices, memorials, or commemorations. Sculptures had a strong ceremonial and religious connotation. It would gradually change as it evolved, from sculpting gods to sculpting famous people and ordinary people, which brings us to now, where sculpture includes all kinds of non-human forms and objects.” From an informed awareness of the philosophical implications of sculpture, Ding creates works that are timeless, thoughtful, and universal.



Contributor & Videographer: George Zhi Zhao
Images Courtesy of Ding Hao
