The Liu Shiming Art Foundation announced the donation of a sculpture called “Silk Road” by the renowned Chinese sculptor, Liu Shiming, to The American University in Cairo (AUC) as a physical symbol of the new relationship. The donation marks a significant moment in cultural exchange through art and reflects the spirit of Liu Shiming’s artistic vision.
The bronze sculpture “Silk Road”, which was originally completed in 1986, has been specially reproduced by the foundation at nearly four times its original size for the AUC. Liu Shiming’s masterful use of hand-carved lines on the earthen surface evokes the natural marks formed over time, creating a sense of the passage of time with minimalistic techniques.
Inspired by the Silk Road, the pivotal historic route for trade and cultural interaction between East Asia, the Middle East and Europe, this sculpture is Liu Shiming’s homage to the route itself and the spiritual journey those who traveled the Silk Road undertook. He considered the Silk Road as about the inner journey of embarking into the unknown. The Liu Shiming Art Foundation hopes the sculpture will inspire AUC students to reflect on their own life’s journey, both on campus and beyond. Once gifted, “Silk Road” will be permanently exhibited at the university.
Born in 1937 in China, Liu Shiming’s career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary sculpture. His artworks are known for their dynamic energy and intricate details, drawing inspiration from the natural world and his Chinese heritage. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Liu remained committed to his craft and continued to create art and educate young artists until his passing in 2010. Under the name of the late artist, the Liu Shiming Art Foundation was established in honor of the artist’s life and work, with the mission of preserving his legacy and promoting the study and appreciation of various art and culture.