Nothingness

Tenkoku, which is the Japanese art of seal carving, is used to express the character, “mu” which translates to, “nothingness”. This concept is rooted in Zen Buddhism and the practice of impermanence.

This tenkoku seal carving was used in place or as a substitute for Mariko Kawano’s own name or signature on certain pieces of art, as a way of removing the concept of ownership from her art in an ironic thought-provoking manner.

Red seal mud on rice paper. Marble stone died with red seal mud.
0.3” x 0.3”