Thus Have I Seen
Tsai Ken
2023. 09. 06 — 2023. 10. 14

|EXHIBITION

 

Thus Have I See
Artist's Statement

 

Inspired by the opening words of Buddhist scriptures, I changed one word to use "Thus Have I See(如是我見)" as the title of the exhibition. It has no connection whatsoever with Buddhism. My personal understanding is limited and I have only skimmed through the Diamond Sutra without delving into its deeper meanings. However, these four words have ignited my contemplation.

 

"如是我見" or "我見如是" can both be applied, and their direct meaning is "As I see it, and I see it as such."

 

Human perception of the external world is achieved through the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. The last three are more related to direct physiological sensations, while sight and hearing are not so straightforward. Especially in an era of information overload for both sight and sound, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between what we hear as true and what we see as real.

 

Years of training in the visual arts, derived from observing nature and ancient artworks, have instilled in me a demand for the perfect visual image. It must have total and partial harmony, captivating the viewer endlessly. When confronted with such an image, the initial restlessness gradually subsides, leading to a state of tranquility. A beautiful image brings calm, peace and purity, which is the feeling I aim for.

 

Using a variety of materials and ready-made objects to achieve this sense of beauty is indeed a challenge. I approached it from a domestic perspective, constructing a livable garden space suitable for dwelling, sitting, reclining and wandering -- a place where I can retreat from the chaos of the world.

 

An imagined Peach Blossom Spring! Calm, quiet and pure as I see it, and I see it as such!