21 Zen monks
Kaori Goyen-Chiba began this series of 21 Zen monks in 2004. Each Zen monk is built from a clay rope as the foundation, and thin slabs of about 7mm thickness are built on top of each other until the top of his head is closed. For Kaori, building with the clay slabs is like Zen meditation. Its processes are
like the Tibetan sand mandala paintings. To complete a Zen monk, all chaotic emotions must be washed away, since a great concentration is necessary to work, especially for its fine details of the facial expressions. Each one of the 21 monks has a very different face and fine expressions
during their meditative trance. Every monk is very light (3.5 - 4 kg), which is quite unique for ceramic sculptures of this size.
Why 21 monks?
Kaori: "Because we live in 21st century, and the number 21 is mysterious for me. My husband and I are both born on 21st of a month. In Tarot card 21 is ‘The World’, representing recognition, wealth, happiness and pleasure in life. The card is also the end of a life cycle, a pause in life before the next big cycle begins with ‘The Fool’. And by a coincidence (or not?) the 21st monk was baked and completed on September 21, 2011."
like the Tibetan sand mandala paintings. To complete a Zen monk, all chaotic emotions must be washed away, since a great concentration is necessary to work, especially for its fine details of the facial expressions. Each one of the 21 monks has a very different face and fine expressions
during their meditative trance. Every monk is very light (3.5 - 4 kg), which is quite unique for ceramic sculptures of this size.
Why 21 monks?
Kaori: "Because we live in 21st century, and the number 21 is mysterious for me. My husband and I are both born on 21st of a month. In Tarot card 21 is ‘The World’, representing recognition, wealth, happiness and pleasure in life. The card is also the end of a life cycle, a pause in life before the next big cycle begins with ‘The Fool’. And by a coincidence (or not?) the 21st monk was baked and completed on September 21, 2011."
