Ren Zhe's Work Revives Nostalgia for the Story of the Eagle Warrior

beritasatu.com - 14 October 2025

Ren Zhe Sculptures at Townhall, IDD, PIK 2

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

Entitled A Path to Glory, this exhibition is the most comprehensive showcase of Ren Zhe's work, not only in Indonesia but also in the world.

The exhibition is even more special because the sculptor, who is among the top five most respected artists in China, presents works inspired by characters in Jin Yong's legendary novels.

This event is also part of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jin Yong, the Hong Kong-based wuxia literary maestro whose works transcend generations.

For fans of the trilogy The Legend of the Condor Heroes, The Return of the Condor Heroes, and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, this exhibition brings back memories of the past. Each of Ren Zhe's sculptures brings iconic characters back to life with aesthetic beauty and deep emotional power.

Ren Zhe highlights the characters of the warriors in detailed and dynamic bronze and stainless steel sculptures. The muscle lines, facial expressions, and poses of the characters are depicted so vividly that they evoke childhood nostalgia of reading martial arts comics or watching the legendary series.

Through the Jin Yong Foundation, Ren Zhe was chosen as the only artist entitled to create representations of the maestro's characters in the form of sculptures. This is proof of the belief that only Ren Zhe is capable of reviving the spirit and soul of these characters in the medium of fine art.

Jin Yong's characters, known for struggling between personal ambition, family honor, and universal values of virtue, are visualized meaningfully by Ren Zhe. These heroic figures not only display physical strength but also a deep sense of humanity.

Visitors are mesmerized by the 3-meter-tall statue of Guo Jing (Kwee Ceng) depicted holding a bow, alongside the statue of Huang Rong (Oey Yong) riding a horse. Equally captivating, the couple Yang Guo (Yo Ko) and Xiaolongnu (Siauw Liong Lie) display their characteristic intimacy, while Bibi Lung appears elegant with her slender posture and iconic veil.

"This exhibition is a spiritual journey. Ren Zhe does not literally copy Jin Yong's characters, but rather brings their spirit to life in a contemporary form. He gives us space to reflect on the true meaning of glory," explained Linda Ma, owner of Linda's Gallery, to Beritasatu.com on the sidelines of the exhibition.

Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to explore the values of heroism, morality, and wisdom inherent in Jin Yong's works. "We have exhibited Ren Zhe's works in Singapore, but not as comprehensively as now. Collectors and art lovers must come here because this is a very rare opportunity," added Linda.

As the only gallery entrusted with exhibiting Ren Zhe's works, Linda's Gallery—which operates in Jakarta, Singapore, and Beijing—is proud to present this monumental exhibition.

"Visitors can feel the positive energy from the artist's work while reminiscing about the legendary world of Jin Yong. The theme A Path to Glory is not just a slogan, but a deep reflection of how sculpture can resonate with literature," said Linda.

Jin Yong or Louis Cha (1924–2018) was the most influential wuxia novelist in the history of modern Chinese literature. He wrote 15 martial arts novels that sold hundreds of millions of copies and were translated into more than 15 languages. His works have been adapted into more than 130 films and television series since The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1958).