WABI SABI
STUDY
(MELBOURNE · AUSTRALIA · 2019)
In my "Wabi-Sabi Study" series, I delve into the essence of wabi-sabi philosophy through an intuitive and experiential artistic practice. Rejecting predetermined compositions and subjects, I allow my creativity to flow spontaneously, guided by the subtle whispers of Zen concepts rather than rigid logical constructs.
Central to this exploration is my use of traditional Chinese watercolor, a medium imbued with the essence of Eastern artistic traditions. Despite its departure from traditional rice paper, I find that this medium resonates deeply with my intention to capture the beauty of impermanence and imperfection. The process of dyeing the paper serves as a metaphor for the transience of life, with each brushstroke and water mark embodying the fleeting moments of existence.
In the subsequent stages of creation, I employ acrylic, charcoal, and ink to further express the nuances of wabi-sabi. The organic hexagons inspired by kites, the fluid charcoal strokes, and the reflective surfaces of India calligraphy ink all contribute to a visual narrative of simplicity, humility, and acceptance of the natural cycle of decay and renewal.
In these works, I find a sense of peaceful transience that encapsulates the essence of nonattachment—a core tenet of wabi-sabi philosophy. The kites suspended in space evoke a profound sense of existence, reflecting my unconscious understanding that life, like the kite, is inherently transient and ephemeral.
Through the "Wabi-Sabi Study" series, I invite viewers to embrace the beauty of imperfection, to find solace in the passage of time, and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the subtle moments of grace that permeate our everyday existence. In embracing the impermanent, the imperfect, and the incomplete, we may find a profound sense of peace and harmony with the ever-changing world around us.