Collection Online

Open the window to the heart
(打開通向心的窗 (智慧之眼))
2010

Medium
ink on canvas
Measurements
100.0 × 100.0 cm
Place/s of Execution
China
Inscription
stamped in red ink (in Chinese characters) l.c.: (artist's seal) / (artist's seal)
Accession Number
2015.190
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Jason Yeap OAM, 2015
© the artist, courtesy Marjorie Ho, East & West Art
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
This work is distinguished by great simplicity and depth in meaning. As in one sweeping movement, clockwise, of misty ink, a circle is created that is evocative of the moon in the cosmos. The circle at the centre has misty clouds. According to the title, it is a window to the heart, the eye of wisdom, attained by meditation and spiritual awakening. In the Chinese and Buddhist way of thinking, there is no distinction between 'heart' and 'mind'. It is inside the chest, where the heart is and it is both emotion (heart) and intellect (mind).