Zang at the Middelheim Museum

myminifactory

Hongo Shin, a renowned sculptor from Sapporo, left an indelible mark on Japan's art scene with his 80 outdoor sculptures scattered across the country. His works seem to pulsate with life, as if they are emotional beings crying out in anguish. In 1925, Shin entered the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo High School of Technology (now known as Chiba University's Department of Industrial Arts), where he began studying under Kotaro Takamura's tutelage. Upon graduation, his piece "The Head of Girl" was selected for the inaugural sculpture exhibition of the Kokugakai Association. As Shin's interest in monumental art grew, so did his stature within the artistic community. In 1934, he became a member of the prestigious Kokugakai Association, and by 1942, his masterpiece "The Beauty of Sculpture" was published by Fuzanpou Publishing Company. Shin's contributions to Japan's cultural landscape continued to flourish in the post-war era. In 1953, he erected the poignant Monument to Students Killed in War, "The Voice of the Sea," at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, and was subsequently awarded the Japan Peace Culture Prize. That same year, his wood carving "Wailing" made its debut at the Japan International Art Exhibition sponsored by the Mainichi Newspaper. From 1959 to 1968, Shin served as a judge for the Kotaro Takamura Prize Competition, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the art world. At the age of 57, he participated in the International Sculpture Symposium promoted by the Asahi Newspaper, and in 1977, he unveiled the Sakhalin Memorial Monument, "The Gate of Ice and Snow," in Wakkanai. Shin's remarkable career culminated in a self-curated exhibit celebrating his 50th anniversary in Tokyo and Sapporo. Tragically, on February 13, 1980, Shin passed away at his home in Tokyo due to complications from lung cancer. His legacy lives on through the countless sculptures that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This object is part of "Scan The World," a groundbreaking initiative launched by MyMiniFactory, aiming to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort, inviting individuals to contribute their own unique items by emailing stw@myminifactory.com. Scanned using Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)