Tai Chi Single Whip

Tai Chi Single Whip is a bronze sculpture located in Victoria Square that captures a martial arts movement through abstract geometric forms. The work conveys a sense of motion and equilibrium frozen in time.

Created in 1985 by Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming, this piece belongs to a limited series of six identical bronzes. The work represents a moment when Eastern artists began placing their creations in Western public spaces more frequently.

The sculpture presents Eastern martial arts as part of Montreal's public art landscape, making Asian movement practices visible to passersby. It shows how different cultural forms can occupy the same urban space and invite reflection from diverse audiences.

The sculpture sits in Victoria Square, a central public green space that is accessible year-round and easy to reach on foot. Visitors can view it from multiple angles and linger to appreciate its form from different perspectives.

This is one of only six identical pieces made, making it a rare public art installation worldwide. The limited production gives the sculpture a special status compared to most public artworks you encounter.