Sculptor and author Polo Bourieau talks about his latest book — Written in Stone
By Hugo Novales
Polo Bourieau, a long-time FCC member, first arrived in Hong Kong in 2003. As an artist who studied at Académie de Nantes and developed his interests through his early work in France, Bourieau made a name for himself in Asia by commissioning monumental, site-specific sculptures that can be found in iconic locations across Hong Kong and mainland China.
Bourieau recently documented his artistic journey in his book, Written in Stone: A Journey Shaping Places in New Millennium China, which was published by HKU Press earlier this year. Filled with photographs of his unique and though-provoking creations, Bourieau’s new book explores the relationship between sculptures and urban spaces, as well as how this relationship creates community and identity amongst the everyday people that interact with his art.
Sitting alongside Associate Board Governor Barbara Yu Larsson at an FCC Club Lunch in early June, Bourieau discussed the ideas behind his new book and the impact he hopes to achieve through his sculptures.
“I like this idea that art is for the people. It should be known in the street, not only within the white walls of the galleries and museums, and in a city like Hong Kong, I think we need more art history,” Bourieau said, kicking off the discussion.
He explained the relationship between artists and property developers, who often only allocate 1-2% of their budget for artistic works that may complement a pond, a public square, a wall, or other types of urban features. This relationship — and how it can be improved — is what motivated Bourieau to write Written in Stone.
“I hope this book is going to inspire the city planners and urbanists to create some format of incentive for the developers, because this book proves – and illustrates, pretty much – how developers and architects are ready to collaborate with artists like me,” he said.
With all the developers, architects, and other stakeholders that may be involved with the commissioning of one of Bourieau’s sculptures, one question remains: Who are these sculptures for? Are they for the developers? The architects? Are they for Bourieau himself?
The answer: none of the above. Bourieau’s personal philosophy is that his art is for the people who will interact with it on a daily basis.
“Art is for the people. So typically, my clients are these anonymous people who cross the square every day. I’m working for them,” he said.
The intersection between the art world and advancing technology also became a talking point during the discussion.
When he first started working, Bourieau didn’t have the level of computers, software, or AI programs that are easily accessible today. He explained how his career progressed alongside the technological revolution of the 21st century, but that the vision and creation of a sculpture is still within the hands of the artist.
“The artist, the sculptor, should be the guy who masters the tool… he’s the one who is handling it, because if not, where is the art? From chisel to robot, there is not really too much [of a] difference. It’s just an extension of your hand that you need to control,” he explained.
During the audience Q&A session, Bourieau was asked if he has ever felt any kind of attachment to a particular piece, and if so, how does he manage to control such feelings.
Bourieau advised that it’s important to let the piece go in the same manner in which parents must let their children grow up. However, he clarified that while this attachment to art may be the case for other artists, this is not how he views his own art. Finishing each piece, no matter how much he liked it or felt proud about his work on it, gives him room to begin something new.
“My favorite piece is the next one,” Bourieau said.
To watch the full discussion, please visit the FCC’s YouTube channel:
