Bodhisattva No. 1: Kuan-yin 

John Melville Kelly created this print, Bodhisattva No. 1: Kuan-yin, to explore themes central to his life and travels. Kelly's work was deeply influenced by his time spent in Asia, particularly his engagement with Japanese printmaking techniques. Here, we see a representation of Kuan-yin, a bodhisattva associated with compassion. Often depicted as female, Kuan-yin embodies an androgynous quality, reflecting the fluidity of gender and identity within Buddhist teachings. Kelly presents Kuan-yin in a stylized manner. The choice to depict a Buddhist figure during a time of increasing globalization speaks to the intersection of Eastern philosophies and Western artistic practices. Kelly's work invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of cultures and the personal journeys that shape artistic expression. The image invites viewers to contemplate the nature of compassion, transcendence, and the search for enlightenment.