Stephan Martiniére

Stephan Martiniére (b. 1962)
Original sketches for the cover art of the Three Body Problem trilogy
pencil and chalk on paper
each signed (bottom left corner)
each: 11⁵⁄₈ x 8¹⁄₂in. (29.6 x 21cm.)
executed circa 2014

The Three Body Problem: original sketches for the dust-jackets of the first English editions.

The Three Body Problem marks an important development in contemporary Chinese literature and was the first Asian novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award. The trilogy engages with complex themes such as existentialism, the nature of civilization, and the ethical implications of technological advancement, reflecting China's rapidly changing socio-political landscape. It serves as a lens through which to examine the relationship between science and society in the context of modern China, providing insights into the nation's aspirations and anxieties in an increasingly interconnected world. By integrating scientific rigor with rich narrative, Liu's work not only contributes to the global science fiction canon but also enriches the understanding of Chinese literary traditions and their relevance in contemporary discourse.

These three sketches by Martiniére capture the thematic essence of the novels, perfectly imagining the tension between technology and the human experience. On his artistic process, Martiniére writes:
'I have always been attracted to complex and giant mechanical construct. When the assignment for the book came in I had just gotten back from Florence with tons of pictures from the Museo Galileo, which displays some incredible armillaries and other wonderful devices. The timing could not have been more perfect. All these references inspired me and gave me tons of ideas to create the elaborate construct depicted on the cover. This was a celestial experience.'

Acquired from the artist by the present owner.