Lotus 1973

This is Chang Dai-chien’s painting of a lotus. The lotus, revered in Buddhism, rises immaculate from muddy waters, a metaphor for purity and spiritual awakening. This symbol has resonated across epochs, appearing in ancient Egyptian art, where the lotus represented rebirth and the sun. Similarly, in Hinduism, deities are often depicted seated upon lotus thrones, embodying divine beauty and transcendence. These echoes across cultures suggest a deep-seated, universal human yearning for purity and enlightenment. Consider the lotus in its various forms, from the rigid symmetry of ancient Egyptian depictions to the fluid, expressive brushstrokes of Dai-chien. Each era imbues the symbol with new emotional and psychological weight. In Dai-chien's interpretation, the lotus seems to float ethereally, engaging us on a subconscious level. The lotus, like a persistent dream, resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in each cultural context, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring power.