BEIJING, Jan. 13, 2026 -- Since its debut in 2026, "From the Same Root, Why do we harm", a large-scale sculpture by Chinese artist Qiu Tianren, has drawn sustained attention for its exploration of material transformation and sculptural structure. Through the reworking of metal and a symbolic formal language, the piece presents a contemporary reflection on human relationships and shared foundations.
The sculpture stands 150 cm tall, measuring 143 cm in width and depth, and weighs approximately 150 kilograms. It is primarily cast from copper and alloy materials, melted and reconstituted from bullet casings collected from different periods. By transforming spent bullet shells into a unified sculptural form, the artist emphasizes the physical layering of material memory embedded within the work, allowing traces of historical use and time to remain materially present in the final casting.
The composition centers on the motif of three figures positioned around a ding, a form traditionally associated with ritual and authority in Chinese culture. This arrangement serves as a structural framework for examining interaction, balance, and tension among individuals. The upper section portrays three figures in a tightly connected, dynamic posture, while the lower section is formed by densely intertwined roots that function as the sculpture's foundation.
Rather than naturalistic representations, the roots are rendered as an inseparable network, suggesting interconnectedness and mutual dependence. The contrast between the upper and lower elements establishes a dialogue between tension and cohesion within the overall structure.
Born in Beijing in May 1992, Qiu Tianren holds a master's degree in Digital Media and Culture from Coventry University in the United Kingdom and currently works at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. As an artist and educator, his practice focuses on materiality, spatial relationships, and the possibilities of sculptural expression in contemporary art.
Through its restrained narrative, clear formal logic, and material-driven approach, "From the Same Root, Why do we harm" reflects Chinese artist Qiu Tianren's ongoing investigation into sculpture as a medium and offers viewers an open space for interpretation.
About the Artist Qiu Tianren
Qiu Tianren (born in 1992, Beijing) is an artist and educator who works and lives in Beijing. He holds a Master's degree in Digital Media and Culture from Coventry University in the United Kingdom and currently teaches at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. His artistic practice focuses on the materiality of mediums, spatial relationships, and the diverse possibilities of sculptural expression within a contemporary context, aiming to provoke reflection on universal human conditions through figurative forms.
Media Contact
Organization: Qiutianren.Atr
Contact Person: Qiu Tianren
Website: https://www.qiutianren.art/
Email: Send Email
Country:China
Release id:39916
View source version on King Newswire:
Qiu Tianren's Sculpture From the Same Root,Why do we harm Explores Materiality and Form in Contemporary Art
Release id:16352
COMTEX_471976513/2938/2026-01-13T11:50:43
