The Grave Watchers' Childhood

The Grave Watchers' Childhood is a series of beast-like infant sculptures.

I was influenced by two ancient figures — Tomb Guardians from the Tang Dynasty (618–906 A.D.). As I tried to imagine the process of how they become what they currently are — stiff figures, deterrent, with a fearful role — I sculpted them in their early childhood, as babies. A time when innocence, sweetness and playfulness were possible.

This process raises several questions: is their role as adults an unavoidable fate, or an outcome of the reality in which they grew up in? Is their role a threat? A necessity? Or maybe a wishful heart’s desire?
In the series there is a threatening and intimidating aspect together with sweetness and vulnerability.