Chen's representative works: The City Bull. [Photo provided to China Daily]

He shifted to sculpting after graduation.

His Red Memory series, which has been exhibited around the world, conveys his recollections of growing up in poverty. That's why the figures appear emaciated and have long limbs.

His next series, created in 2003, shows humans as animals. Happy Life is his interpretation of consumerism, and depicts stylish women with pig faces. They were inspired by people who were hired to cry at funerals in his hometown.

The 22-meter-long bull at Everything Is Awesome is part of his recent City Bull series.

The bull reflects everything around it. And it accepts everything. That's the key, he explains, because it demonstrates that everything has value－no matter how big or small.

This, he says, is the lesson he learned in his battle against cancer－a fight he won, in no small part, because of the power of creativity.

"There's art in life－everywhere. Everything is awesome."

Contact the writer at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn

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