10 Auspicious Monkeys under the Tree of Infinity

Richard X Zawitz created the large-scale sculpture, featuring 10 playful creatures under a tangle tree, to inspire happiness and bring luck to all customers of One Central Macau. Of the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac, the monkey is believed to be the most spirited and intelligent creature, as reflected by the exuberant artwork. With a resplendent veneer of lai see vermilion, reflective gold and silver, the 10 Auspicious Monkeys under the Tree of Infinity connotes the traditional Chinese New Year blessings of abundance and prosperity.

Although Richard X Zawitz is gray-haired and at age 60, he is always full of energy and cheer. His creations devoted to Chinese Tao and Buddhism Zen. Richard X Zawitz, born in USA, said he was interested in Chinese culture since he was little. While studied fine art in the university, he used to attend the Asian Philosophy courses and had unique feeling towards to Tao in his first philosophy course.

The creation use monkey, one of 12 Chinese zodiac, as a theme. Among 12 Chinese zodiac, monkey is the most spiritual, the smartest and the most creative animal as well as his favorite animal, the symbol of luck and full of energy. The meaning of the Tree of Infinity is the endless of life, good health and good luck. One of the gold lucky monkey under Tree of Infinity is even covered on gold leaves, the favor of Chinese people. By holding hands with “gold lucky monkey”, hope this can bring good luck and spreads out the positive energy and the blesses to others.

The meaning of color red is warm, flourishing and encouraging. When combined with the ethic symbol, it becomes the emblematic color for Chinese. As for the meaning of the color gold and silver, they are noble, honorable, luxury and magnificent. He chose the Chinese traditional colors, silver and gold color to go with Chinese lucky element in red color. Moreover, the gold lucky monkey under Tree of Infinity is even covered on gold leaves because Richard X Zawitz thinks that not only “gold” be the favorite element of Chinese people but also the “Tree of Infinity’ is lucky bless for Chinese people.

In love with metal and curves

Richard X Zawitz loves to use metal as the design material because he was born in the place where famous for metal manufactory in USA. He is familiar with metal since he was little. For that reason, he had special feeling in metal. He said that other than the positive influence in his childhood, long-term storage is another reason why Zawitz loves metal. He thinks “Tao” and “Infinity” are one and both have positive energy. The curve shape is a happy element and can give unlimited association, like the cloud, it is shown by the curve shape as well.

Ten naughty monkey sculptures displayed in the exhibition of Tree of Infinity and Ten Monkey Sculptures are like the monkey family, a strong and powerful father in protection position, a friendly mother in tender and passionate action, a grandfather with a relaxing manner. Richard X Zawitz thinks himself as a performer, and audiences can easily understand the meaning of his creations.

Richard X Zawitz is an American sculptor and toy inventor, with the Fine Art major in University of Hawaii. After gained the BA degree in 1972, he went to Tibet, Japan, India and Nepal to learn how to do the wood and stone carving. In 1973, inspired by the Tibet infinity nod, he created a sculpture series called “Infinity” and invented the toy call “Tangle”. The toy “Tangle” is the art pieces that can freely rotate and combine. His products include toys, art pieces, furniture, etc.

This site-specific installation is a result of over 45 years of work and study and creation of works of sculptural art based on the ancient Chinese Philosophy of Taoism. Richard X Zawitz has spent the last two years. visiting and meditating on the Oval Atrium of IFC in order to create an one of kind Zen Garden-like Phantasmagorical environment. For the IFC Mall and for the people of Hong Kong.