Sunday, July 25, 2010

No Zen


Sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, a Japanese artist named Sengai Gibon created an ink on paper work of art called simply "Circle, Triangle, Square." His drawing (one of each of the three shapes) is very popular and is reproduced frequently in books and posters. Author David Rosand has stated that "...the image has given rise to many explanations of the 'meaning' of its components, ranging from heaven, man and earth to three forms of Buddhism, but the image transcends specific symbols."

I think that the image resonates with us because these the three basic shapes are so familiar to everyone, no matter what our background or cultural heritage. My drawing playfully turns the tables on those familiar, comfortable shapes by letting them run wild. Clearly not a reflection of what we usually consider "zen." And yet, perhaps...

13-1/2"x16-1/2" custom matted & framed in black
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