Lion King 獅子王 | 2024 by Lin Shih-Pao 林世寶
Stone, Iron, Cement
The sculpture "Lion King," located in Crystal Park, is the latest work by artist Shih-Pao, Lin, completed in 2024. Through a fictional narrative, it profoundly explores themes of animal loyalty and sacrifice.
Lin, who has raised dogs, believes that they are humanity's most loyal companions. However, modern society is filled with the tragedy of abandoned pets, and these stone lions symbolize that abandonment, found at restaurant entrances, on streets, and in recycling bins. The artist has collected 38 discarded stone lions and has given them new life in Crystal Park, using their presence to reflect on humanity's loyalty to animals.
In Lin's imagination, these stone lions demonstrate unparalleled unity and purpose during a volcanic eruption, sacrificing themselves to protect the lion king, and allowing molten lava to consume their bodies. Their loyalty moves the heavens, and they ultimately transform into eternal artistic fossils.
A thousand years later, the artist discovers these touching lion king fossils in Crystal Park, presenting them once again to the audience. This serves as a reminder to reflect on the true meaning of loyalty and to cherish the precious bond between humans and animals.
