Foon Sham

Foon Sham is a Chinese-American sculptor specializing in wood. His geometric, precise, and rhythmic sculptures are part of collections in the United States and worldwide. Sham's work consists of both small-scale and large-scale structures that explore themes of sustainability, growth, and decay. In addition, Sham creates immersive and architectonic installations that have been displayed at the National Mall, Universities, and public spaces. Sham is currently a full-time professor of fine art and sculpture at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Early life Foon Sham was born in Macao, China, and grew up in Hong Kong. At age ten, he was sent to study shading and perspective from a Chinese drawing master. Later, between the ages of twelve and sixteen, Sham studied painting under Chin Chung. His training consisted of copying many reproductions of landscapes and portraits, and he won art competitions at the ages of fifteen and sixteen. He later became a teaching assistant to Chung's younger students.

Later, his work progressed to social commentary. Escape (2017) was a commentary on the US-Mexico border designed specifically for the lights at the Katzen Arts Center at American University. Visitors were invited to walk through the tunnel and physically interact with the sculpture. Escape was inspired by Sham's experience as an immigrant to the United States.

Recognition Sham's work is part of the collections of United States Embassies worldwide, including the US Embassy in Norway, Bulgaria, and Suriname. His recent commissions include the Golden Triangle BID in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Garden at the National Museum of American History, and the Schar Cancer Institute in Inova Virginia. Sham's sculpture, Ductile II, was featured in the 2023 Architectural Venice Biennale. In 2018, Sham received the Visionary Artist Award from the Smithsonian Institution and the Smithsonian Women's Committee. US Embassy in Suriname, Suriname Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Art Omi International Arts Center, Ghent, New York Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington DC Strathmore Hall Arts Center, Bethesda, Maryland