Zhou Yan Contemporary Chinese Art Archive 周彦当代中国艺术档案
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Date
2022
Format
Article
Exhibition Event Title
THE EYES OF CHAOS 混沌之眼
Date of Exhibition Event
11/18/2023 - 2/25/2024
Location of Exhibition Event
Red No. 1- B1, Caochangdi, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China 中国北京市朝阳区机场辅路草场地艺术区红一号B1，邮编100015
Materials
Ink on paper
Dimensions
142 3/4 x 225 3/4 in (4 panels, framed)
Description
This painting didn't use the negative space of traditional ink painting. Whereas in traditional ink painting, ink would used with restraint. The untouched paper itself carries meaning — suggesting distance, mist, or empty space. Ink covers nearly the whole surface, with no clear focal point. The artist used repeated ink washes, layering dark and light ink to present textures that resemble cells dividing. The title references a Daoist parable, Chaos originally had no facial openings (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and one mouth), but two well-meaning emperors bored one open each day. "On the seventh day, Chaos died." The title, Doharma, paired with "Bodhidharma," the semi-legendary monk credited with bringing Chan Buddhism to China, suggests a different path. Bodhidharma is known for "wall-gazing," which means turning inward and closing the eyes. (Source: https://www.inkstudio.com.cn/exhibitions/49-bingyi-the-eyes-of-chaos/) (Angela Tan ‘28)
Rights Statement
