In Praise of Shadows
Inspired by the book In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki these paintings touch on the aesthetic philosophy of Wabi Sabi which translates as the embrace of imperfection. Wabi Sabi has its roots in Zen Buddhism and ancient Japanese interiors informed by values of worth in the eyes of Eastern thinking. This philosophy acts as an antidote to perfectionism and this body of paintings were created by highlighting perceived mistakes, celebrating flaws to bring forth a gentle beauty in an exploration to express my true nature.
“If light is scarce then light is scarce; we will immerse ourselves in the darkness and there discover its own particular beauty.”
― Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows
“We do not dislike everything that shines, but we do prefer a pensive lustre to a shallow brilliance, a murky light that, whether in a stone or an artifact, bespeaks a sheen of antiquity. . . . we do love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them".”
― Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows
