Between Force and Stillness is a public sculpture created for a national tennis center in Beijing, China. The work interprets a tennis form through 24 sphere shaped units arranged along a vertical axis, evoking natural rhythm and cyclical time. The composition draws on Daoist thought, in which movement and stillness are understood as mutually dependent. Mixed media are used, including fiberglass, marble, weather resistant automotive paint and lighting. Modular construction allows separate shipping and assembly on site.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Created for the China National Tennis Center 2024, this sculpture interprets a tennis form through 24 spheres that evoke natural rhythm and cyclical time. “Force and Stillness” explores the dialectic between motion and quiet, echoing Chinese philosophy on dynamic force and balanced calm. It presents a fusion of modern competition and ancient wisdom, offering a cultural tribute within an international sports setting.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Work Type: Physical Sculpture
Overall Dimensions:
Height: 2500 mm × Base: 1500 mm × 1500 mm
Components:
A total of 24 tennis ball–shaped units, arranged along a vertical axis
Year: 2024
Materials:
Mixed media (fiberglass, automotive paint, marble, LED lighting, etc.)
Structural & Technical Features:
Vertical structural design emphasizing visual tension and rhythmic composition
The base provides stable support, suitable for indoor or semi-outdoor display
Modular construction for ease of transportation, installation, and maintenance
Packaging & Transportation:
The artwork is transported using customized protective packaging. The spherical units and main structure can be shipped separately, with final assembly and calibration carried out on-site to reduce transportation risk and improve installation efficiency. - Tags
- Public Sculpture, Abstract Sculpture, Art Sculpture, Art Installation
- Production Technology
- Mixed media including marble fiberglass and weather resistant metal automotive paint suitable for outdoor use.
- Design Challenge
- The key challenge was translating abstract Daoist concepts into a public art form that could be intuitively understood within a fast paced sports environment. The project needed to balance expressive form with structural safety weather resistance and efficient installation while remaining clear and engaging for diverse international audiences.
- Project Duration
- Core Area of Beijing Olympic Park, China
- Operation Flow
- Visitors experience the sculpture through movement and pause as they approach walk around and observe it from multiple distances. The work guides emotional rhythm within the space rather than requiring direct interaction.
- Research
- The project investigates site oriented public art within a national level sports venue during an international tennis event. Through site observation pedestrian flow analysis and material testing it explores how public art can support spatial identification cultural communication and emotional guidance for large scale audiences. Drawing from Daoist philosophy the study translates the balance of movement and stillness into a modular sculptural system suitable for long term public display.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for “FORCE AND STILLNESS” comes from the Dao De Jing, which sees movement and stillness as mutually dependent forces. Movement conveys change and energy, while stillness offers balance and calm, and their harmony reflects the order of nature. The 24 spheres symbolize natural rhythm and cyclical time. Through a static tennis form, the work expresses this motion,quiet dialectic and connects the dynamic spirit of a tennis event with China’s enduring cultural heritage.
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