Written in Stone

Written in Stone is an extraordinary exploration of how monumental sculpture transforms urban spaces into places of meaning and connection. From the ancient marble quarries of Carrara to the Hong Kong’s skyscrapers or the bustling lanes of Chengdu, this richly illustrated book charts Polo’s creative journey, offering profound insights into the dialogue between sculpture, architecture, and community.

Structured as an epic narrative inspired by Joseph Campbell’s monomyth theory, Polo’s sculptures become the protagonists in a commune narrative of adventure, transformation, and identity. 

With reflections on the creative process and a conversation with art critic Catherine Shaw, the book delves into the challenges and realities of what it is creating public art in the dynamic landscapes of 21st-century China.

Written in Stone offers a philosophical meditation on the power of art to shape our cities and ourselves. It invites readers—whether politicians, urbanists, architects, landscapers, artists or essential art lovers—to reimagine the relationship between sculpture and the spaces we inhabit. This book is a must-read for anyone passionate about the enduring dialogue between matter, place, and meaning.

Polo Bourieau is a celebrated sculptor known for his monumental site specific projects that integrate sculptures with urban spaces, particularly in Hong Kong and China, exploring the concept of “making place.”