Polo Bourieau Discusses His New Book on Urban Sculpture

Description

Written in Stone, a new book by Hong Kong-based sculptor Paul-Alexandre (Polo) Bourieau, is a captivating journey into the world of monumental sculpture and its transformative impact on urban spaces, from the ancient marble quarries of Carrara to Hong Kong’s skyscrapers or Chengdu’s bustling lanes. Structured around writer Joseph Campbell’s monomyth theory, which posits that the universal hero’s journey is found in stories and myths, Written in Stone casts sculptures as protagonists in our shared quest for identity and transformation. Featuring reflections on the creative process and a conversation with urban planner and Zolima CityMag contributor Catherine Shaw, the book delves into the challenges and realities creating public art in 21st-century China. 

Originally from France, Bourieau combines traditional carving with engineering calculations and robotic experimentations to redefine monumental sculpture in public spaces. Through working on different prestigious architectural institutions including the Musée du Louvre with Wilmotte, the American Center for Frank Gehry and Notre Dames du Haut by Le Corbusier, Bourieau explored the duality of sculpture and architecture. His passion eventually led him to Hong Kong where he has called home for over 20 years since 2003. Today, his works such as — The Earth Dragon at Elements and Walking East on Kwun Tong’s Tsung Yip Street — not only can be found across the city, but also bridge heritage and innovation. 

The celebrated sculptor will discuss his latest book and works in talks hosted at the following venues:

1. Parenthèses Book Shop on 30 May, 18:00 – 19:00
2. Foreign Correspondents’ Club on 3 June, 12:30 – 14:00 (open to members and their guests only)
3. Eslite Bookstore Causeway Bay on 14 June, 15:00 – 16:00