Ken Matsubara Japanese, b. 1948
Moon, 2021
Painting
H35 7/8 x W46 1/8 in
H91 x W117 cm
H91 x W117 cm
A23590
Copyright The Artist
Further images
Matsubara depicts the sun and the moon in this pair of square paintings. Light emanates from the sun’s golden halo in the painting. The image of the sun rests on the ocean rippling waves leading us to question if it is genuinely the moon we see or its reflection. The combination of the sun and sea recalls the life of the Buddhist monk Kūkai (774-835), who retreated to an oceanside cave as he meditated on the cycles of night, day, and sea to achieve awakening eventually. The viewer becomes part of this natural rotation sitting between the open screens.