[Art – Outwards Series]

Master Hong Sheng

〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉

Invitational Exhibition(Kaohsiung 2021/10/29 – 2021/11/9)

[Art – Outwards Series]

Master Hong Sheng

〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉

Invitational Exhibition
(Kaohsiung 2021/10/29 – 2021/11/9)

弘聖靈覺禪師

Knowing the Artist – Master Hong Sheng

Master Hong Sheng has many identities. Although born and raised in the urban concrete jungle, Master Hong Sheng holds the natural energy of the sky and the earth in his heart. Studying art since childhood, Master Hong Sheng roams free in this realm; with the wisdom gifted to him and his awakening, Master Hong Sheng began bringing his teachings to the world through art, bringing the music of enlightenment to people, to answer his calling. Master Hong Sheng’s artwork is out of this world – art is only the medium, a vehicle for the truths of the universe. Master Hong Sheng is dedicated to his craft, without even a shred of thought in his mind. Since he was enlightened on the dharmata of life at an early age and has honed his artistic skills masterfully, his talent and awakening are fused together, forming a grand, ample, and resounding artistic sense inclusive of everything and everyone. Master Hong Sheng treats the external and the internal equally; his boundless, inclusive great love for the world strengthens and purifies all of our hearts.

Through diligence and dedication, Master Hong Sheng’s craft is so polished that he becomes a quick study of anything related to his craft: Master Hong Sheng is erudite in the Three Teachings  (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism), philosophy, music, dance, and many other talents. Master Hong Sheng’s bond to Buddhist teaching did not form in religion but in his art. He realized that painting and awakening are essentially the same. Treating every stroke and brush equally makes him unbounded by any form or limit – with his energy roaming free and his expressions pure and bountiful, selfless, and natural.

弘聖靈覺禪師

Knowing the Artist – Master Hong Sheng

Master Hong Sheng has many identities. Although born and raised in the urban concrete jungle, Master Hong Sheng holds the natural energy of the sky and the earth in his heart. Studying art since childhood, Master Hong Sheng roams free in this realm; with the wisdom gifted to him and his awakening, Master Hong Sheng began bringing his teachings to the world through art, bringing the music of enlightenment to people, to answer his calling. Master Hong Sheng’s artwork is out of this world – art is only the medium, a vehicle for the truths of the universe. Master Hong Sheng is dedicated to his craft, without even a shred of thought in his mind. Since he was enlightened on the dharmata of life at an early age and has honed his artistic skills masterfully, his talent and awakening are fused together, forming a grand, ample, and resounding artistic sense inclusive of everything and everyone. Master Hong Sheng treats the external and the internal equally; his boundless, inclusive great love for the world strengthens and purifies all of our hearts.

Through diligence and dedication, Master Hong Sheng’s craft is so polished that he becomes a quick study of anything related to his craft: Master Hong Sheng is erudite in the Three Teachings  (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism), philosophy, music, dance, and many other talents. Master Hong Sheng’s bond to Buddhist teaching did not form in religion but in his art. He realized that painting and awakening are essentially the same. Treating every stroke and brush equally makes him unbounded by any form or limit – with his energy roaming free and his expressions pure and bountiful, selfless, and natural.

Knowing the Art

an Expression of Consciousness that Transcends Artistic Language and Understanding

靈山水-離塵觀戰座西霜

〈Ethereal Landscape〉Series/Oil Painting/2005/162*112cm

The curator’s comment on Master Hong Sheng’s paintings: “Master Hong Sheng’s unbounded spirit makes his artwork so natural, intuitive, and authentic. His creativity runs freely, unbounded by physical or material constraints. The atmosphere he intuitively creates in his art reflects nature itself and all its beings, expressed with mercy and care. Every stroke of his hand is exuberant of energy, with lifting touches that seem swift yet slow, with life flowing out of the brushes as if rivers tumbling into the ocean. The unbounded, limitless energy is transmitted to the viewer, such as sound waves, touching the audience with an invisible force.”

Master Hong Sheng blends western painting materials and eastern Buddhist teaching together to construct a realm of equality – in which the subjective and the objective are fused into one, and the seemingly abstract turns out to be entirely figurative. The artistic expression of the abstract is not lost to the great void of nothingness, in fact, but relatively easy to grasp. With breaths of life flowing outward, spiritual energy ample, the paintings heal the body and soul of the audience, cleansing the mind of the viewers. The 〈Four Elements〉, the 〈Five Sounds〉, the 〈Five Elements〉, and the 〈Ethereal Landscape〉 series refer to the complete status of nature. The still landscape – its purity, void of any intention – contains such profound energy, inviting viewers to ponder….

一覺尊。弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Buddha〉Series/Oil Painting/2005/116.5*91cm

The 〈Buddha〉 series use bright colors and light strokes to express a form without a tangible form. As the absent condenses into the matter, the energy cast around the painting captures every viewer’s heart. The 〈Flowers〉 series represents the states of the mind by depicting the flourishing and withering of flowers. The series shows that each painting represents the self of the artist as well as that of the viewer. While the flower represents the artist and the viewer simultaneously, the boundary distinguishing the subject from the object is lifted – nature and humankind converge as one, unbounded and whole. This resonates with the exhibition’s title – Still Unbounded by Either Side?

〈Endless Treasures〉

Using a pencil to convey the flow of ink painting, Master Hong Sheng uses simplistic strokes of ruffle, scrape, point, rub, press, twist, and turn to depict a shapeless form. The painting creates a realm of imagination where the audience roams free! The convergence and discretion of dots and lines, with life flowing through them like a gust of wind blowing through fallen petals, forming a new world wherever they land. Just as the virtue of Buddhism is so boundless, that has its endless, unbounded effect on every being.

Calligraphy

where Brush Strokes Reveal True Characteristics

Master Hong Sheng is also proficient in calligraphy. His brush strokes are surprisingly bizarre, with odd twists and turns, yet full of mercy and emotions. Master Hong Sheng’s pen brush follows his consciousness, with ink thickening and thinning, the calligraphy stands out with a unique style. Master Hong Sheng is dedicated to his calling of enlightening people. Therefore, he rarely has time to swing his calligraphy brush. Every once in a while, to grant the plead of the disciples, Master Hong Sheng would create calligraphy work for them. When that happens, Master Hong Sheng is always fully focused on stillness and silence, leaving his energy, the light of his true characteristics where the brush strokes rest on the paper.

無盡藏-高緣。弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Endless Treasures〉Series/Pencil/1998/32.5*23.3cm

直筆玄書系列,弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Mistry〉Series/Pencil/2014/27.5*18.5cm

〈Mystry〉

The Light of Life Written in Pencil

Master Hong Sheng uses modern pencils and blank sheets of paper to create original pieces. The essays are the light of life, casually captured by Master Hong Sheng, with the artistic style of calligraphy. The stiff tip of a pencil creates a serene calm similar to that of a soft brush.

《無住》裝置藝術

〈Impermanence〉Installation Art

〈Impermanence〉

Promoting Buddhism through Music

〈Impermanence〉 was originally a piece of installation art of Master Hong Sheng’s. Created in 2006, the artwork incorporating music and shapes was exhibited in the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. The artwork picture was also on the cover of the first edition of 〈Impermanence〉CD album, becoming a classic for the vast audience that received healing from〈Impermanence〉Now that the artwork is recreated. Futon of yellow fabric placed on a dark wooden pedestal, with soft light floating about, the golden ray of the piece radiating through the entire space. The tranquilizing force draws viewers to linger. It’s such an opportunity for those who missed the first exhibition, leaving people in awe and amazed.

《水中閱性》弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Flowing above the Wind〉Series/Watercolor/2005/16.8*17.1cm

〈Flowing above the Wind〉

a Piece of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty

Showcased as the pilot for the 〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉 exhibition at Kaohsiung Cultural Center, Master Hong Sheng was invited to exhibit the 〈Flowing above the Wind〉 Series at Meinong Cultural and Creative Center. The series is of a smaller scale, done in Master Hong Sheng’s creative journey. In other words, the series reflects the profoundness of his practice. Without personal agenda or intention, the pure and natural consciousness revealed in the paintings is not clouded by any hindrance or desire. The purity and goodness of the realm within the frames are so poetic, endearing, and yet invoke pondering. Figures in the paintings travel across realms, whose bodies are unbounded by forms, mind untainted, floating in the air without landing, coming and going freely. Master Hong Sheng’s art is just like him – calm, serene, and graceful. With an unclouded heart, he walks among the beings of this world; while watching, his eyes reflect the truths and wisdom of the universe.

The Artist is his Art – Viewer Feedback

A Fresh Stream Flowing through the Art Community, Succumbing to no Trends

Artist Mr. Chia-sheng Chuang: “Master Hong Sheng’s technical skills make complicated ideas clear and simple. He uses cutting lines to lightly hint at the forms, balancing the abstract and the figurative. His techniques bring simplicity to abundance. Master Hong Sheng’s paintings are forceful full of positive energy, as he doesn’t paint to accommodate the market. It’s almost as if he paints to show us teachings. The ideas are so transcending and so inclusive. Master Hong Sheng’s art is a fresh stream flowing through the contemporary art community, succumbing to no trends.”

〈The Four Greats〉 Series is as Cleansing and Powerful as a Waterfall

Originally from Shenyang, professional artist Ms. Chien Ma teaches in college. “When looking at the 〈Four Greats〉,” she shared, “I felt cleansed, comfortable, and familiar. It’s as if I was sucked into the painting, like standing right in front of a waterfall. Freshness flushes over me, and the cells of my body feel at ease and joyful. I felt that it was more realistic than looking at a real waterfall. Master Hong Sheng’s paintings are so tasteful – while ordinary artists have similar technical skills but fail to paint as tasteful as Master Hong Sheng.” Even Ms. Ma’s artist friends are in awe: “So wonderful! No one can copy this!”

Every Stroke is Precise, Beaming with Energy that cannot be Captured by the Camera

Photographer Mr. Hong Wang added: “Master Hong Sheng’s paintings are powerful. Every stroke is precise, well-thought-out, and well-executed. There is no mistake. The art is so complete that no other artist can compare. You cannot define his art in one particular way or the other. When you stand in front of the paintings, you will feel that the images are dancing. It’s almost like a 3D effect, so full of energy. Master Hong Sheng’s paintings are worth collecting. There is an enticing rhythm in these paintings; the vitality has no comparison, just as spirit resonance – the highest principle of Xie He’s Six Principles of Chinese Painting.

The Paintings Create a Symphonic Realm, Testing the Comprehension of the Audience

Professional restoration artist Mr. Chiang-sung Kuo shares his thoughts when restoring Master Hong Sheng’s artwork: “Master Hong Sheng’s paintings contain meanings in the abstract. He uses lines, blocks of colors, different shades of colors, and brush strokes to bring life into the piece. There is a rhythm to it. This makes the paintings very powerful. The lines and the colors implicitly depict the image; with bright central color schemes, forceful lines, and various color combinations, everything comes together, tense or loose. It’s like a choir with higher notes and lower notes. You can see rhythm in the shades of color Master Hong Sheng uses. This cannot be achieved without masterful skills. Furthermore, the paintings are like a symphony – you have to have a level of comprehension to understand or appreciate Master Hong Sheng’s works. There is logic to his lines, and energy flows within the painting, wrapped inside it, stabilizing the images. There is a sense of Zen, unlimited room for imagination, and the precise shades of color bring life to the canvas.

四大-地大。弘聖靈覺禪師
四大-水大。弘聖靈覺禪師
四大-火大。弘聖靈覺禪師
四大-風大。弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Four Elements〉Series – Earth、Water、Fire、Wind/Oil Painting/2006/180*180cm


Background of the Zen Art Lectures and 〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉 Invitational Exhibition

〈Art – Outwards Series〉 where the art Resides outside of the Spoken Word

The 〈Art – Outwards Series〉 invitational exhibition by Master Hong Sheng originated from the pleads of many followers who attended Zen Art lectures hosted by the Yi Jue Yuan Association, in which Master Hong Sheng explains his journey in creating art. Admiring the mercy and profound meaning of Master Hong Sheng’s works, the followers wish to witness the original pieces rather than regretfully observing the projection slides or printed materials. The Association is dedicated to education and benefiting the people, thus pleaded Master Hong Sheng to lend the art pieces for this exhibition, allowing those who wish to be basking in the energy of the original works have the opportunity to do so.

〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉 Question from the Followers

Master Hong Sheng’s artwork is out of this world and unbounded by the material things – art is only the medium, a vehicle for the truths of the universe. How can we transcend the two sides and not be bound by the concept of opposite? This question is the title’s inspiration 〈Still Unbounded by Either Side?〉 A grand question asked on behalf of the believers. And perhaps, the answer already lies in the paintings, quietly waiting for the audience to find….

The Shortest Distance between Wisdom and Art

While experiencing the exhibition, you don’t have to try too hard to imagine anything. Just let your senses roam free, and let the still paintings and your body in movement naturally become one as you move, step by step. Master Hong Sheng’s teachings are the truths of the universe, but they’re also a part of the art. The realm conveyed on canvas is the realm of enlightenment. The viewer is outside and within the painting simultaneously, with energy flowing naturally; the stillness and the movement are essentially one. From looking at the ever-changing lines, dots, scrapes, and strokes, you could enjoy the treasure of Buddha’s teaching and the endless moods in Master’s paintings. Feel the strength and height of his wisdom, as bright as the moon upon the sky.

Yi Jue Yuan Association

靈山水-花飄散影還自笑。弘聖靈覺禪師

〈Ethereal Landscape〉Series/Oil Painting/2006/150*300cm

360 Video – Kaohsiung

[Art – Outwards Series] Exhibition 2021

Kaohsiung 10/29-11/9

Taipei 9/3-16

Tainan 3/19-4/1

Photos – Kaohsiung