Aesthetics Evoking Nostalgia, Ren Zhe's Work Presents the Character of the Martial Arts Story Pendekar Rajawali

tribunnews.com - 12 October 2025

Ren Zhe Sculptures at Townhall, IDD, PIK 2

TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA - More than 50 masterpieces by the phenomenal Chinese artist Ren Zhe are currently on display at Townhall, Indonesia Design District (IDD), PIK 2, Tangerang Regency until October 19, 2025.

The exhibition, themed "A Path to Glory," serves as an art showcase featuring the most comprehensive collection of Ren Zhe's sculptures, not only in Indonesia but in the world!

This exhibition is even more special because the sculptor, who is among the top five most respected artists in China, presents a series of sculptures inspired by the characters in Jin Yong's works. Yes, this exhibition is dominated by Ren Zhe's works as part of a series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jin Yong, the Hong Kong-based wuxia literary maestro whose works have become legendary across generations.

If you are familiar with Jin Yong's trilogy "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," "The Return of the Condor Heroes," and "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," you will immediately recognize the various characters in these legendary works. The stories of these warriors are presented beautifully and aesthetically.

Ren Zhe is able to highlight these characters in his various bronze and stainless steel sculptures. The muscle tone and character of each figure can transport viewers to their childhood and youth, when they read martial arts comics and watched the series.

From the beginning, the author, through the Jin Yong Foundation, chose Ren Zhe as the only artist allowed to transform his characters into works of art. They were confident that Ren Zhe could "bring back to life" these characters in phenomenal sculptures.

The characters created by Jin Yong are constantly tested between personal ambition, family honor, and universal values of virtue. Ren Zhe captures this essence in great detail in his work, heroic figures that not only display physical strength, but also their humanity.

Visitors to the exhibition hall are amazed to see a 2-3 meter tall statue, positioned holding a bow, representing the character Guo Jing (Kwee Ceng). Next to him stands a statue of a woman on horseback, who is presumably his wife, the character Huang Rong (Oey Yong), riding a horse no less than 2.5 meters tall.

There are also figures of "Yang Guo" (Yo Ko) and "Xiaolongnu" (Siauw Liong Lie) expressing their love. Yo Ko's right hand is missing, leaving his sleeve empty. Meanwhile, the slender Bibi Lung waits with her veil on.

The sculptor skillfully displays the sculptures like a static drama or theatrical performance. The characters in Yong's series of novels are depicted with muscular bodies in line with the imagination of readers or viewers who have seen the television or film versions.

"This exhibition is a spiritual journey. Ren Zhe is not literally copying Jin Yong's characters, but rather bringing their spirit to life in a contemporary form. It gives us space to reflect on the true meaning of glory," explained Linda Ma, owner of Linda's Gallery, when met during the exhibition.

Through a series of monumental sculptures by Ren Zhe, visitors are invited to trace the heroism, moral values, and wisdom that emanate from Jin Yong's universe, especially the stories in the Condor Heroes Trilogy. "This is the most comprehensive exhibition of Ren Zhe's works on Jin Yong's characters. We have exhibited Ren Zhe's works in Singapore, but not as comprehensively as now. So collectors and art lovers must come here, because this is a very rare opportunity," said Linda.

As the only art gallery entrusted to exhibit Ren Zhe's works, the owner of Linda's Gallery in Jakarta, Singapore, and Beijing said she was proud. "Visitors can feel the positive energy from the artist's works, as well as nostalgia for Jin Yong's legendary works. The theme 'A Path To Glory' that our gallery carries is not just a slogan, but a deep reflection on how sculpture can resonate with literature," she added.