Ren Zhe's Work Presents the Character of the Martial Arts Story Pendekar Rajawali

mediaindonesia.com - 12 October 2025

Ren Zhe Sculptures at Townhall, IDD, PIK2

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

The exhibition, themed "A Path to Glory," is an art showcase featuring the most complete collection of Ren Zhe's sculptures, not only in Indonesia but also 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 the works of author Jin Yong.

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 Eagle Warrior trilogy, starting from The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Return of the Condor Heroes, to The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, you will surely 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 personality of each character can transport viewers to their childhood and youth, when they read martial arts comics and watched the series.

The author, through the Jin Yong Foundation, chose Ren Zhe from the beginning as the only artist allowed to turn his characters into works of art. They believed 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, creating heroic figures that display not only physical strength but also their humanity.

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

There are also the characters 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 Auntie Lung waits with her veil.

The sculptor skillfully arranges 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 work, 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.