EXHIBITION STATEMENT

ensō began as an exploration in translating the fluidity of calligraphic brushstrokes into 3D sculptural forms. Through several failed attempts, techniques used in traditional cel animation were adopted; this involved the meticulous production of hundreds of hand-painted images with minute variation, in order to create an illusion of motion.

Inspired by the visual motifs in these paintings, the 3D animations interpret the concepts into stylized hyper-realistic renditions using modern visual effects techniques such as CGI and dynamic simulations, resulting in digital representations of natural elements.

Central to ensō, are themes rooted in Zen Buddhism, and a juxtaposition of Eastern and Western philosophies, which drive the monomyth narrative, also referred to as “the hero’s journey.”

At this inaugural public exhibition in Vancouver, ensō is presented in its entirety for the first time since its inception.