Li Hongbo Carves Silhouettes From Butcher Knives

Hawk, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014, Images via.

Chinese artist Li Hongbo issues a razor sharp statement on culinary culture in his latest exhibit, Shadow of Knives, a series of traditional food chopping knives “belonging to the older generation,” with images of people, animals, and skeletons carved from the blades. Several of the carvings remain connected to the knives by a small strip of metal, creating a malleable sculpture that acts as a “shadow” reminiscent of Hongbo’s moveable paper sculptures, which we enjoyed in February. The knife retains a hollow, equally delicate silhouette of the same figure, creating a mirroring effect.

A description from Contemporary by Angela Li, the gallery hosting Shadow of Knives, describes the sculptures as a warning to society, saying, “Human beings will eventually destroy themselves because of their gluttony and their abuse of animals.” Deer, birds, a cheetah, and a human skeleton, among others, jut up from the metal blades, reminding the viewer of the creatures those knives were meant to cut, and the consequences for humanity. Despite the macabre message behind the art, the intricate carvings are an elegant foil to the harsh, brutal cutting tools.

Bones of a Snake, Metal, 200 x 38 x 9 cm, 2014

Gaze, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014

Lotus Pond, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014

Hunting, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014

Cheetah, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014

Wasteland, Metal, 35 x 9.8 x 1.7 cm, 2014

Find more of Li Hongbo’s work here.

H/t My Amp Goes to 11

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