A childhood spent in the rice paddies contrasted with a career as the most important sculptor of his generation. He spent his youth as a bricklayer’s apprentice and a raftsman, later he went on to a university lectureship at Beijing Central Academy. Between these extremes this unusual life story is acted out in Mao Tse Tung and Deng Xiaoping’s China.

In this captivating book, the sculptor Wu Shaoxiang tells us about his childhood and adolescence during the cultural revolution and about the awakening of sexuality in a country where everything sexual was taboo.

He roams across China in the 1970’s and 80’s, serves up bear paws and dog penises and introduces us to fascinating personalities and past splendours.

In 1989, Wu, who because of his frequent criticism had fallen out with the communist party, together with his students demonstrated for more freedom and the opening up of China to the West. Two days after the Tianamen Square massacre, Wu, together with his wife and son fled China for Austria.

“In the Shadow of the Sun” is a thrilling adventure story as well as an historical document spiced up with lots of anecdotes and loving insights.

About the author:

Wu Shaoxiang was born in 1957.

He studied under Zhen Ke at the Central Academy of Art and Design where he received his MA.

He was a lecturer there until 1989 and was regarded as the most influential sculptor of his generation.

On 6 June 1989, two days after the Tianamen Square massacre, he fled the country with help from the Austrian Embassy.

He is currently living with his wife the artist Jiang Shuo and their son Sa in the Austrian province of Carinthia.

His works can be seen in China, the United States and Austria.