"In Japanese art, space assumed a dominant role and its position was strengthened by Zen concepts"
- Stephen Gardiner
About this Quote
This quote by Stephen Gardiner talks to the importance of room in Japanese art. Area is a key element in Japanese art, as well as it is often used to create a sense of balance and consistency. This is even more enhanced by the impact of Zen ideas, which emphasize the value of vacuum and the interconnectedness of all points. Zen principles also stress the idea of wabi-sabi, which is the charm of imperfection and also the recognition of the transient nature of life. This gratitude of room and vacuum is mirrored in the use of unfavorable room in Japanese art, which is commonly used to create a sense of equilibrium and consistency. Making use of space in Japanese art is also seen in making use of crookedness, which is used to produce a sense of activity and also power. Generally, this quote talks with the importance of area in Japanese art as well as exactly how it is strengthened by Zen principles.