Contemporary Chinese Sculpture Promoting the “Idea of China” (the case of Cao Chunsheng and Deng Ke)

Ever since the beginning of the Reform Era, China rapidly and steadily walks the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Moving towards the new era, the Chinese government and society do not forget about their values and guidelines, the "Idea of China" is developed in art. Art pieces aim to promote Chinese cultural traditions, patriotism, the fighting spirit of Chinese nation. Sculpture is actively involved in this process as one of the art forms that allows broadcasting ideas about beauty and justice. Over the years, sculptors have persisted in exploring different genres and styles, which has gradually improved the creation of contemporary “China's theme” in sculpture and formed a distinctive diversity. Among the sculptors that contributed to this process, the most representative and prominent artists are Cao Chunsheng and Deng Ke, who both have formed unique and distinctive styles. Cao Chunsheng as a sculptor from older generation, has undergone the influence of the “Soviet school” and has a vast experience in large-scale monument sculpture. In his art he mainly focuses on major historical themes. Deng Ke belongs to the emerging generation of sculptors who grew up in the Reform Era. Most of her works are small and medium-sized easel sculptures, and her favoured topic is life and society in the new times. Both sculptors work in different styles and genres, but together they form the face of contemporary sculpture promoting the “Idea of China” that this paper seeks to explore.