When Wuxia Warriors Become Statues, A Path To Glory Comes to Jakarta

iawnews.com - 2 October 2025

Ren Zhe Sculpture at Linda Gallery, IDD, PIK 2

Jakarta, IAWNews.com - The imaginary world of Jin Yong has now found a new form beyond the pages of books and television screens. Linda Gallery presents an exhibition titled A Path To Glory, featuring contemporary sculptures by Chinese artist Ren Zhe, as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the wuxia literary maestro. The exhibition will be held at Townhall IDD PIK 2, from October 3 to 19, 2025.

Linda MA, owner of Linda Gallery, revealed that the title A Path To Glory has a deep meaning. The path to glory in Jin Yong's stories is never easy, full of trials, betrayals, wounded love, and inner struggles. "Ren Zhe translates that journey into sturdy bronze bodies, as if ready to step across time," she said.

Jin Yong, or Louis Cha, is known as the most influential author in the wuxia genre. During his lifetime, he wrote 15 martial arts novels that embody the values of courage, love, and honor. His iconic trilogy, Condor Heroes Trilogy, has become a classic work that continues to live on through more than 130 film and TV series adaptations.

His stories are not mere entertainment. They are a reflection of a moral journey: about how humans struggle against fate, seek truth, and uphold noble values. Unsurprisingly, a survey in China found that 8 out of 10 people have read or watched Jin Yong's work at least once in their lives.

In A Path To Glory, Ren Zhe brings the spirit of Jin Yong's warriors to life through sculpture. Dynamic postures, detailed expressions, and energetic gestures are the hallmarks of this young sculptor's work. The values of courage, generosity, and honesty that animate Jin Yong's stories are clearly evident in each sculpture.

Ren Zhe, a graduate of the Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts, is a contemporary artist who combines Eastern traditions with modern aesthetics. His work presents a conversation between the past and the present, between classical philosophy and global expression. Just as the world of wuxia was born from tradition but remains relevant, Ren Zhe's sculptures also stand at that intersection.

The exhibition, titled A Path To Glory, is not only a tribute to a great author, but also a reflection on the universal values contained in wuxia, namely the courage to choose the right path, even if it is full of obstacles.

Although the center of the celebration of Jin Yong's 100th birthday was held in Haining, his hometown in China, the echoes of the commemoration are now felt in Indonesia. The presence of A Path To Glory in Jakarta opens up a new space for art and literature enthusiasts to celebrate a cultural heritage that transcends generations.

With Ren Zhe's statues standing tall, it is as if the Rajawali warriors are passing through the exhibition space. From the words written by Jin Yong, bodies have now been born that can be seen, touched, and contemplated.

Like the eternal message of wuxia, the path to glory is not only about mastering the sword, but also about keeping the soul faithful to the truth.