Mind Enso 

Kasumi Bunsho made this ‘Mind Enso’ using traditional calligraphy techniques. Kasumi lived through a tumultuous period in Japan’s history, including World War II and its aftermath. This piece reflects the artist’s deep engagement with Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation and mindfulness. The enso, or circle, is a powerful symbol in Zen. It represents enlightenment, wholeness, and the void. Look closely and you might notice that the circle isn’t perfectly closed. This incompleteness suggests the imperfection inherent in life and the ongoing nature of enlightenment. The strong, confident brushstrokes, along with the inscription, reveal a sense of disciplined spontaneity and the artist’s state of mind in the moment of creation. Consider the emotional and spiritual weight carried within this simple form. How does the enso, as a reflection of the artist's mind and the broader cultural values of Zen Buddhism, invite us to contemplate our own search for balance and understanding?