My Country Three,29x17x12cm

Since 1974 four burial pits of the Qin terra-cotta soldiers who have been guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang for over two thousand years have been uncovered and excavated in Xian, China; and Chinese-American sculptor Zhang Wanxin has been turning out new warriors for the Qin Emperor from Pit #5 in San Francisco in the United States from 1997.

The new finds from Pit #5 are a fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures. They blend the past, present and future together. One most visible characteristic of Zhang Wanxin’s new warriors is the pair of round sun-glasses over their noses which have helped hiding the souls of these figures. Wanxin used this simple but self-assured addition to enhance the contemporary nature as well as the spiritual impact of his warriors.

Wanxin, graduated from the Lu Xun Art Institute in 1985, went to the United States to further his studies in 1992. He received his Masters Degree in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and stays as an instructor of the Academy. After arriving in the United States, Wanxin is very much inspired by the Californian clay movement and the American Funk artists. Such influence shows up in most of his sculptures.

“The Chinese blood flowing in my veins fuels my creativity in the West,” said Wanxin of his creating process. Since inaugurating his Pit #5 ten years ago, he has received numerous acclaims and recognitions both from the American art scene and the academic circle. Audiences love the creativity and boldness of his new warriors while appreciating his respect and keeping the ancient and initial ingenuity of the Qin terra-cotta soldiers alive.