Video: Mechanical nirvana: sculptures by Wang Zi Won
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Wang Zi Won creates intricate mechanical sculptures of bodhisattvas, that is, "enlightened" in the Buddhist tradition. In his works, electrified figures sway regularly in a single rhythm with numerous small details, reminiscent of either lotus petals or halos. Thus, the artist helps us to look into the future, when, in his opinion, humanity and technology will harmoniously merge together.
Wang Zi Won was born in 1980 in South Korea, where he lives to this day. His homeland is one of the world centers for the spread of Buddhism. The influence of this teaching cannot be overlooked in the artist's works, but it should not be overestimated either. According to Wang Zi Won, he had no intention of reinforcing the meaning of Buddhist symbols or engaging in religious controversy. With the help of traditional images, he tried to express and convey his own, very original ideas.
Wang Zi Won argues that in the future, people will adapt to high technology and advanced scientific achievements, just as in the past they adapted to the conditions of the natural environment. Such prospects do not seem to him gloomy at all, on the contrary. The artist believes that we should strive to get rid of dependence on the "human" and quickly enter into a bright future in which people will become something like cyborgs.
According to Wang Zi Won, harmony between man and machine can be achieved through religious practices. By depicting bodhisattvas who symbolize compassion, asceticism and enlightenment, the artist wants to cultivate these virtues in himself and in the viewer. It is these qualities that will help people overcome their own selfishness and organize a utopian society.
Buddhism, as one of the most "liberal" religious teachings, has inspired so many artists to create daring works of art. Among them are already known to us Wat Rong Khun and Alex Vermeulen.
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