On the 27 November Bruce Lee, perhaps the most influential martial artist of all time, would have been 72 years old. Almost forty years after his death his legacy continues. In Hong Kong, where a number of his movies were made, a statue was erected in 2005. The stunning backdrop of the Chinese city is perfect for Bruce Lee’s famous
ready to strike pose from the
Fist of Fury movie.
Hong Kong’s enormous legion of Bruce Lee fans raised over $US100,000 for the sculpture to be erected to honor the
Jeet Kune Do legend. The statue stands alongside Hong Kong’s Avenue of the Stars on the waterfront. In photographs it looks as if it may be life size but in fact it stands 2.5 meters high.
The statue was created by Cao Chong-en, one of China’s foremost sculptors but more were involved. Shannon Ma, the renowned 3D animator and Yuen Tai-yung, a celebrated Hong Kong cartoonist, were asked for their imput on the work. The Chinese calligraphy on the statue was created by the prominent Sinologist, Professor Rao Zong-yi.
The sculpture is intended to create a focal point for fans of Lee in Hong Kong and to serve as a point of pilgrimage for his multitude of fans around the world. It is certainly a remarkable piece of public art and we hope, an appropriate way of celebrating his forthcoming birthday!
First image Credit Flickr User Ian Muttoo
