Zen Sun Shadows

"Zen Sun Shadows No. 1" 2017

Like undulating waves on the surface of a body of water, these stylized sun shadows were composed to emulate nature. Zen gardens started in Kyoto, Japan in the 14th century to imitate the essence of nature and to give the viewer (originally for the head monk of a Buddhist monastery) a view to meditate on. Carefully constructed, the dry landscapes represent water in the meticulusly raked gravel and are usually dotted with three to five rock "islands" giving the "water" a place to radiate out from.

I was fortunate to visit the famous 15th century Ryoan-ji Temple garden in Kyoto years ago. I was struck by its simplicity and after meditating on its pristine landscape, felt a very deep sense tranquility and relaxation by its orderly structure. I know many artists who have been drawn to represent their experience at the garden through their work. John Cage was inspired to compose a series of works called "Ryoanji" 1985 and David Hockney constructed the photographic collage "Walking in the Zen Garden at the Ryoanji Temple Kyoto" in 1983.

The garden I photographed for this Sun Shadow series was at the Zen Court in the Japanese Garden of the Huntington Library and contains the same architectural elements I found in Kyoto. The effects of their sun shadows are just as mesmerizing.

Julie Green
December 16, 2017

"Zen Sun Shadows No. 2" 2017

"Zen Sun Shadows No. 3" 2017

"Zen Sun Shadows No. 4" 2017

"Zen Sun Shadows No. 5" 2017