Newsletter No. 26

No.26 January 1992 CUHK Newsletter T he 'Gate' There are a number of scenic spots on campus which attract photo-bugs. The most recently constructed 'photo-stop' is the massive bronze sculpture on the platform in front of the University Library. However, not everyone who picks the sculpture as the backdrop for a photo knows about its background. This sculpture, known as the ‘Gate" was presented to the University by the late University Architect, Dr. Szeto Wai. When Dr. Szeto started working on the campus development blueprint in the late sixties, he already had the idea of erecting at the heart of the University Square a large bronze sculpture by a well-known artist. For various reasons, his plan was not realized until 1987. In that year, a famous Taiwanese sculptor, Mr, Ju Ming, was commissioned by Dr. Szeto to produce a sculpture that would harmonize with the University Square. Mr. Ju made a special trip to the University for a ‘field study', and the final product that was subsequently donated to the University by Dr. Szeto not only agrees in shape with its environment but also matches in texture with the neighbouring stone wall beside the University Square. The 'Gate' measures 4.3 metres high, 7.3 metres across and weighs 5,080 kilograms. To have this giant sculpture transported from Taiwan was an arduous task. The sculpture had first to be cut into several pieces to fit into a container. Upon their arrival at the campus, a power crane was used to unload them onto the platform outside the library. Their reassembly ca l l ed f or special welding tools and techniques, and several experts from Taiwan took charge of the project. Local transportation and on-site welding alone took a whole week. The ‘Gate’ belongs to Mr. Ju Ming's famous T a i Chi Series' of sculptures, and its shape resembles two persons engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Mr. Ju Ming had initially suggested to call it the ‘Arch', and there were a number of other suggestionsfromUniversity members. Eventually, Dr. Ma Lin, the vice-chancellor at that time, decided to name it the ‘Gate'. Maybe the gate is an appropriate symbol, for to many students the University is a gateway to a better life. 7