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Burrows, Thomas Carl
Chinese Landscape
1977

This sculpture by Tom Burrows recalls the misty stepped cliffs depicted in many Chinese ink paintings, which often symbolized the path of the sages. Its slabs of Hornby Island rock balanced on ascending copper stands suggest the spiritual elevation stimulated by the contemplation of nature. It was first exhibited in The Temptations of Mao Tse Tung (1977) at Pender Street Gallery; this show satirized the fashion among intellectuals to venerate Chairman Mao with several complex “portraits” of seductive power and allusions to the temptations of Christ.

 
Burrows, Thomas Carl
Kitchener ON 1940
Chinese Landscape
1977
Sandstone, 6 copper tubes
height / width / depth: 152.40 x 182.90 x 548.60 cm; 60.00 x 72.01 x 215.98 in.
Purchase, Gallery Association and Canada Council matching grant, 1977
20-087

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