Ivan Chan Asian Thai Buddha Buddhist oil painting art

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The Lightness of Being

Size/24" x 30" x 0.5"  Medium/Oil on canvas  Date/2008

Original Finger Painting by Ivan Chan

Story/As much as we look up to our teachers and divinities to be our role models, they are likewise shaped to be more like us. Jesus rarely looks Jewish and the Buddha similarly changes appearance according to cultures and aesthetic trends in religious art. All this serves to make these gods and heroes more relatable to the everyday person.

In creating this image of the Buddha for my Buddhist Series, I sought out the Thai interpretation of this venerated teacher and combined it with Chinese and Japanese styles to create a unique image. The broad nose, full lips, and squarish face honor the features on Southeast Asian peoples that have been adopted for their vision of the Buddha. Using visual textures reminiscent of wood grain, I bring my love of time-worn, wooden Japanese Buddhist sculptures. The voluptuousness of the figure derives from the Tang Dynasty art of China's Golden Age.

The brilliant saffron robe draping across the shoulder is inspired by the traditional garb of Thai monks, which is sometimes used to drape statues of the Buddha as a sign of respect. Against a vibrantly blue background encircled by a misty emerald green, this figure with its rich golden halo invites the viewer to experience peace, and his or her own joy in the lightness of being.

A substantial Original Finger Painting at 24" x 30", it is ready-to-hang without a frame (the 0.5" sides are painted black).

Authenticity/All work is guaranteed authentic. Signature (Chinese and English) and stamp on the back.

Policies/Payment, shipping & handling, and return information can be found below. Please contact Ivan Chan Studio with any questions.

Copyright/All rights reserved. No part of this artwork may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the artist.