Qiu Tianren’s Sculpture From the Same Root,Why do we harm Explores Materiality and Form in Contemporary Art

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.

Copper Bullet Casings Sculpture

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, which are melted and reconstituted from bullet casings collected from different periods. By transforming spent bullet shells into a unified sculptural form, the artist highlights the physical layering of material memory. Traces of historical use and time remain visibly embedded in the final casting.

The composition centers on three figures positioned around a ding, a form traditionally associated with ritual and authority in Chinese culture. This arrangement serves as a structural framework to examine interaction, balance, and tension among individuals. The upper section features three figures in a tightly connected, dynamic posture. Meanwhile, the lower section consists of densely intertwined roots that form the sculpture’s foundation.

Qiu Tianren Contemporary Sculpture

Instead of naturalistic depictions, the roots form an inseparable network, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual dependence. This contrast between the upper and lower elements creates 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. He currently teaches at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. As an artist and educator, he focuses on materiality, spatial relationships, and exploring 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 Qiu Tianren’s ongoing exploration of sculpture. Moreover, it offers viewers an open space for interpretation, encouraging reflection on universal human conditions.

About the Artist Qiu Tianren

Qiu Tianren (born 1992, Beijing) is a contemporary artist and educator who lives and works in Beijing. He earned a Master’s degree in Digital Media and Culture from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. Currently, he teaches at the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

His practice emphasizes the materiality of mediums, spatial relationships, and diverse possibilities within sculptural expression. Furthermore, he aims to provoke reflection on universal human conditions through figurative forms.

Company Details

Organization: Qiutianren.Atr

Contact Person: Qiu Tianren

Website: https://www.qiutianren.art/

Email: Send Email

Country: China

Release Id: 13012639916