Potential of Glass in Abstract Expression: Space and Material Substance

Abstract

This article presents the various potentials of glass in expressing abstract concepts in Zen art, particularly in its representation of tranquility and emptiness, by analyzing the materials and processes used in four artworks created by four artists.  Findings suggest:
1) Glass functions as a medium of sound, which leads the audience to examine their mind by listening to the resonance before eventually discovering that the sound does not originate in the atmosphere but internally in the observer's mind. This phenomenon can be found in the sound installation ‘Chozumaki’ by Nelo Akamatsu. 2) Using glass in traditional ink-wash painting within abstract expression has demonstrated that it is an ideal medium for capturing a specific moment. This highlights its potential in Zen storytelling, which mainly depicts a state of serenity, as seen in ‘Non-Calligraphy’ by Wang Qin.  3) Studying in-depth Chinese ink brush painting, drawing lines on the glass along with disciplined meditation has demonstrated the movement of energy in the glass – a phenomenon that magnifies the concept of emptiness in Zen, for example, in ‘Ghost’ by Ayako Tani and ‘The Glass Circles’ by Sunny Wang. These artists have demonstrated that glass can be a medium of peace and space, encouraging viewers to self-reflect and enhance their awareness within the art's portrayed space. As a result, the artists’ souls are interconnected with those of the audience.