Chan (Zen) Aesthetics in Sanyu’s Works: A Case Study of Horse Paintings
Abstract
The given article looks at the contribution of Chan (Zen) aesthetic philosophy in the artistic activities of Sanyu (1901-1966) an artist based on the principles of Chinese literary art as well as modern oil painting. Taking his horse paintings as visual case studies, this research discusses how formal decisions such as composition, line, brushwork, and color can express essential concepts related to the concept of Chan thought such as its emphasis on the idea of Simplicity or the idea of the One being many (yijishiduo, 一即是多) and self-effacement (wuwo, non-self, 无我) .In terms of methodology, the research includes both contextual literature review and close formal analysis so as to show how the image of horse operates as a representation, but also as a form of visual reflection and intercultural discussion.The results imply that Sanyu has moderated pictorial style that translates the traditional aesthetic values to an experimental modern language, which forms part of the larger debate of East-West cultural flow in world art history.
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