Rocks Into Gold: Zhan Wang: Sculptures from the Sierra

This Chinese art book profiles the modern, metallic sculptures of one of China's greatest contemporary artists.

Rocks Into Gold is an exhibition of site-specific sculptures by Zhan Wang, one of China's most celebrated contemporary artists. The exhibition incorporates elements from two strains of the artist's work: his “scholar's rocks,” sculptures in which Zhan creates shiny stainless steel replicas of the weather-worn boulders traditionally used in China for contemplation and reflection; and his “cityscape” sculptures in which Zhan creates topographical models of urban landscapes using mirrored utensils, steel pots, and pans. Combining these two distinct styles, Zhan has created an original work for the Asian Art Museum that will carry a unified theme drawing upon San Francisco and its history.

Rocks Into Gold explores a sense of place, discovery and exploration while touching upon the histories of China, the American Western frontier and Chinese American immigration.

• Jeff Kelley, Author

• Kaz Tsuruta, Photographer