Buddhist Monk in Deep Winter

Sawako Utsumi is a contemporary Japanese artist who hails from Ishinomaki (Miyagi prefecture). In this art piece, she is paying homage to Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942). However, the meaning and color scheme create a new dynamic.

Accordingly, Utsumi is focused on the saying of the Buddha where he says, “Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.” 

Hence, the Buddhist monk understands that his journey is difficult and dangerous. However, the fleetingness of life entails that the journey must be done. 

The revered Buddhist Monk Nichiren (1222-1282) said, “Life in this world is limited. Never be in the least bit afraid!” 

Utsumi focuses on the severity of winter and the robes of the Buddhist monk. Hence, the landscape, like the fraughtness of his journey, is visually negated. 

Instead, the radiance of the robes naturally stands out. This is symbolic because the real meaning is that “inner beauty” and the power of “hope” can’t be defeated by the elements of winter. 

Of course, in Utsumi’s art, the “winter” isn’t nature but the stages of life (nearing its end, but holding on to beauty and the knowledge of impermanence). 

Written by Lee Jay Walker

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-monk-in-deep-winter-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Monk in Deep Winter

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