Abstract
This chapter explores some of the tensions, or currents and cross currents, which accompany modern looking at and thinking about Zen Art. Many of us are drawn to intimations of 'Buddha mind' in Zen Art, while the 'Zen aesthetic' in art, or equally in home furnishings and commercial design, may make us feel 'meditative'. Zen and Zen Art have been objects of enthrallment, suspicion, and debate in the West throughout the twentieth century and especially during the postwar period. But Zen and Zen Art, some now argue, are about power; no one who speaks, writes, paints, sculpts, inscribes, or views is neutral, and acts of expression, explanation, or interpretation, be they ancient or modern, are inherently partisan. The consternation that can be felt along certain hallways of the academy, meanwhile, is due not strictly to the ideas of Suzuki and Hisamatsu but rather their reception. Keywords:Buddha mind; Hisamatsu; Suzuki; Zen aesthetic; Zen art
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
