Twelve Hundred Faces 1

Twelve Hundred Faces 1

  • 18 x 24 in

This acrylic painting on linen canvas draws from the story and experience of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, nestled in the hills outside Kyoto, Japan. In the mid-1950s, Kocho Nishimura, a sculptor and head monk, revitalized the temple with an extraordinary fundraising idea. Visitors were invited to carve their own stone statues under his guidance. Today, over 1,200 unique statues, each shaped by a different hand, stand weathered among the surrounding vegetation, embodying individuality within a shared collective spirit. The composition reflects the interplay between these carvings and the lush, natural environment. The muted greens and earthy tones evoke the moss-covered hills, while layers of texture and abstract forms hint at the weathered figures nestled within. The upper portion of the painting, with its open and light-filled expanse, contrasts with the dense greenery below, creating a sense of space and quiet reflection. The brushstrokes range from loose and gestural to more defined, mimicking the organic yet deliberate nature of the carved statues. Subtle marks and colors embedded in the greenery suggest hidden figures, encouraging viewers to look closely, as though they were wandering the temple grounds and discovering each stone for themselves. This painting seeks to capture the feeling of walking through this sacred site, where human creativity and the natural world converge. It reflects the impermanence of the sculptures as they are gradually reclaimed by the landscape, yet honors their enduring presence as storytellers of a shared past. Through abstraction, the work invites viewers to reflect on themes of individuality, time, and the quiet harmony between art and nature.

March, 2024
Acrylic painting

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