Wu Ching-ju

Pro Terra et Natura by Wu Ching-ju.

Terra Natura, a new monumental sculpture by Wu Ching-ju placed in the heart of Shanghai’s financial district,
is the artist’s most recent sculpture project in collaboration with the Halcyon Gallery.

This unprecedented public sculpture project was commissioned in cooperation with the Shanghai Pudong Lujiazui Development Company, the Pudong Cultural Department and the Shanghai Municipal Planning Bureau.

Wu Ching-ju’s Terra Natura was selected from many proposals for the aesthetic quality of the artwork itself,
and for the creative intent of the artist.
Terra Natura was officially transferred to the city"s public sculpture collection on August 12, 2011.

Wu has created this environmentally themed sculpture group that is in many ways the climax of her career.
Calling for an awareness of what is happening to Mother Earth and Mother Nature, Pro Terra et Natura is a synthesis of her love and respect for motherhood and the natural world.
In childhood she dreamed of flying, and with this sculpture she feels that she is finally able to soar.
The guardian spirits descend, touching the ground with their gowns; they come in peace.
As Wu says, 'The earth has given us this place to breathe and we should protect and love her for it. Protecting her is the same as protecting our own lives.'
With the Terra Project Wu Ching-ju wants to support awareness and conservation educational projects.

"'Nature is not ours to own,
It was given to us in custody,
To live with in harmony,
To protect and preserve,
For our benefit and for generations to come.
We must not recklessly destroy what has been given -
Real change must start with you and me."
(Wu Ching-ju , 2008)

Statistics:The overall height is 15 meters (50ft); total weight of the bronzes : 16 M tons, steel structures 28M tons; foundations:600M3 of concrete.
From concept to installation: 32 months.