Mocean

“Mocean,” the centerpiece of Chanyu Kuo’s “Birth and Death” series, embodies a profound dialogue between beginnings and endings—a concept as intricate and essential as the Asian philosophy of Yin and Yang. While these dualities are universally recognized, their true essence often remains elusive. In Yin and Yang, black embodies white and vice versa, symbolizing the intertwined nature of opposing forces. This concept resonates deeply with the themes of “Birth and Death”—the idea that every beginning seeds its ending, and every ending paves the way for a new beginning, portraying the perpetual cycle of life.

The black square in “Mocean” signifies the pursuit of ’emptiness,’ a key tenet in Buddhism, representing both the alpha and omega, the point where everything starts and finishes. This concept is layered with complexity; from a distance, the square appears uniformly black, yet closer examination reveals a multitude of hidden dimensions, paralleling the Buddhist interpretation of ‘Emptiness’—seemingly void yet encompassing everything.

In the artwork’s upper left, a fragment of “Moon Wave,” another piece from this series, subtly appears. It symbolizes the turmoil, challenges, and strife experienced throughout life, culminating in a state of tranquility. A particularly striking element is the use of yellow, inspired by Chanyu’s pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago. This journey, a month-long trek across Spain to ‘El Finisterre’ (The End of the World), was marked by yellow shells and arrows guiding the path. These symbols of hope mirror life itself, where guidance and optimism often emerge in unexpected forms.

“Mocean” is more than an artwork; it is a philosophical exploration and a vivid representation of the fears and hopes intrinsic to the human experience. It echoes the sentiment that the fear of an ending often surpasses the fear of continuing, calling us to embrace life’s journey with all its uncertainties. It reminds us that taking chances on this planet is the essence of feeling truly alive, urging us to see the beauty in every beginning and ending.