"Original and intricately detailed, this work beautifully unites tradition and contemporary expression in a serene harmony."
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
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Project description
Title: A Monk's Robe of Emptiness (空性百衲衣)
Medium: Mixed media on paper, incorporating calligraphy, painting, and seal carving.
Dimensions: Approx. 75 x 90 cm.
A Monk's Robe of Emptiness is a unique artistic fusion that transcends the traditional boundaries of both calligraphy and fine art. The piece is inspired by the profound Zen Buddhist text, Xinxin Ming (Faith in Mind), by the third patriarch Sengcan. The creation process itself is a reflection of the text's core tenet: "The Great Way is not difficult, just avoid picking and choosing."
The work is an impromptu collage of different pieces of paper, akin to a monk's patched robe (bainayi). It began with the initial 16 verses of Xinxin Ming, followed by additional verses and, as an afterthought, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. This unplanned, improvisational process mirrors the fluidity and non-attachment of Zen philosophy.
Though the elements—calligraphy, seal impressions, symbolic drawings, and free-flowing mountain and water lines—appear disparate in form, they are unified by a common essence: emptiness (śūnyatā). As these elements intertwine, they visually manifest the Buddhist concept of "When the mind does not vary, all dharmas are as they are" ('心若不異，萬法一如'). The piece's seemingly chaotic and flowing appearance ultimately converges into a state of profound unity and tranquility.
In essence, this work is a visual embodiment of a spiritual journey. The artwork invites viewers to look beyond its fragmented exterior and perceive the inherent unity and peace within. It is a visual dialogue between confusion and coherence, movement and stillness, offering a contemporary interpretation of ancient spiritual wisdom. The piece stands as a testament to the idea that true harmony can emerge from the seemingly disordered tapestry of existence.