Two Blind Men Crossing a Log Bridge 

Editor: We’re looking at "Two Blind Men Crossing a Log Bridge" by Hakuin Ekaku, created with ink and watercolors. It's a deceptively simple line drawing, but the image of these figures precariously navigating a treacherous path is unsettling. What social commentary can we unpack from it? Curator: That feeling of unease is exactly the starting point. Hakuin's Zen Buddhism viewed physical and, especially, mental blindness as a societal problem. He highlights it here to suggest broader systems of oppression and control. How are these blind men made vulnerable? What structures or dogmas prevent them from seeing? Editor: So, it’s less about literal blindness and more about… societal blindness? Curator: Precisely! Think about the historical context: Hakuin lived in a time of rigid social hierarchies. His art frequently critiqued the blindness of those in power, who failed to see the suffering of the masses. This bridge becomes a metaphor for the obstacles created by such systems. The men’s dependence on each other hints at community solidarity. How does their posture emphasize powerlessness? Editor: They're hunched over, using poles to feel their way, almost as if they're bowing to something. That sense of submission. Curator: Indeed. Consider this "bowing" not just as subservience, but perhaps also as resistance. Seeking knowledge through experience. They're actively seeking an alternative. We need to consider how even apparent disability, physical, metaphorical, and otherwise, informs ways to protest power relations. How can a viewer, who presumably sees this image, reevaluate their perspective? Editor: I didn’t expect such a simple drawing to be so loaded with socio-political meaning. It makes you think about your own role in perpetuating societal "blindness." Curator: It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for social change, and even seemingly simple images can challenge our perceptions and inspire action.