Magnetic Press has announced its publication of Mongolian Wind, an art book featuring the art of Lu Ming.
Mongolian Wind is a collection of Ming's many paintings, advertising illustrations, sculptures (including "Desert Grade" which appeared at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada), storyboards and conceptual design work for films such as Tsui Hark's Flying Sabers. Magnetic Press Publisher Mike Kennedy stated in a press release that the artbook will showcase Ming's "broad versatility and thoughtful observations about life, lineage, history and tradition." He continued to say that "[Ming's] artistic skills are monumental and inspiring, and we're excited to share them with this beautiful art book."
Mongolian Wind is a collection of his artwork, but it also tells the story of Ming's nearly 20-year career as an artist, starting as a teenager in 2000. Now considered a representative of Chinese realist comics and best known for his hyperrealistic artwork, Ming has built an artistic universe largely inspired by both medieval Chinese and European culture. As a professional guitarist and drummer, his art is also inspired by music. According to Ming, he created Mongolian Wind as a proper representation of Chinese culture and history.
"I feel that I have sort of a compelling mission or duty. I feel that I have been given a responsibility to make sure people do not forget the past," Ming said. "Many of the works I painted, as well as some sculptures I've made, are all showing a kind of beauty that has died. No matter who forgets, I will always remember, and then stubbornly remind people that they once existed!"
Ming has won various awards (like the Palme d'or at the Cannes Lion festival in 2008) and was the first Chinese illustrator to win a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. He will also be publishing another book in April 2021 called Hard Melody which tells the story of three disillusioned friends reconnecting in their thirties, nostalgic for their time as young rockstars, who decide to reignite their shared purpose for one last gig. Both Hard Melody and Mongolian Wind are available for pre-order.
Mongolian Wind will publish in May 2021 to celebrate Asian American Heritage Month. An exact release date has not yet been confirmed. Mongolian Wind contains 120 pages, presented in a gallery-sized 9x12" premium hardcover. The cover price for the hardcover is $19.99, but it is currently available for pre-order at 21% off.
Source: Magnetic Press