Written in Stone: A Journey Shaping Places in New Millennium China

Written in Stone by Polo Bourieau 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 skyscrapers of Hong Kong 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 of our common narrative of adventure, transformation, and identity. 

With reflections on the creative process and a conversation with urban planner and design writer Catherine Shaw, the book delves into the challenges and realities of 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 city planners, urbanists, architects, landscapers, artists or art lovers—to reimagine the relationship between sculpture and the spaces we inhabit. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the enduring debate between matter, place, and meaning.