The Nothing

The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void). It is characterised by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics.

Drawing ensō is a disciplined-creative practice of Japanese ink painting, sumi-e. The tools and mechanics of drawing the ensō are the same as those used in traditional Japanese calligraphy: One uses an ink brush to apply ink to washi (a thin Japanese paper).

These are painted in the same way however the enso itself is painted not in ink but in watered block out paint, then the remainding paper is painted with ink, to leave a negative space where the mark should have been.

Ink on Japanese calligraphy paper
690 x 690 mm