The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens presents Zenmi – A Taste of Zen on view October 18 – January 22, 2011.
Zen is a form of Buddhism known for its reliance on personal introspection as a means of achieving enlightenment. Zen has always been iconoclastic as well; whereas even the Buddha can be the object of irreverence. The exhibition features over 80 works of art including paintings and calligraphy mounted as hanging scrolls, inscribed ceramics used in the tea ceremony, and other objects associated with the practice of Zen. All works are examples of the genre of Japanese art called zenga, which is believed to have originated in the 17th century as spiritual exercises, aids to meditation, and visual sermons showing the path to Zen enlightenment. The artists are venerated Zen teachers who took up the brush late in life to create unique works of religious art noted for their drama, boldness, seeming impulsiveness and immediacy of expression.
This exhibit features paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics by Zen masters of the 17th to the 20th centuries from the collection of Riva Lee Asbell.
The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road • Delray Beach, Fl 33446 • 561-495-0233 • [email protected]
www.morikami.org