Description
# 7 Spore Y, 1950
Watercolor on paper
Signed
10 x 14 in. (image)
14 x 17.75 x 2.0 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting titled (#7), features two celestial bodies against a serene blue sky, evokes a sense of cosmic balance and metaphysical introspection. The larger sphere, with its spiny projections, suggests themes of conflict and resilience, while the smaller, more distant orb conveys a sense of tranquility or a secondary force at play.
In Zen, this image could represent the concept of duality in existence. The larger, spiky orb symbolizes the self or ego, with its defenses and attachments, which cause suffering. The smaller orb in the distance represents a state of detachment and enlightenment, where one’s sense of self is minimized. The sky, vast and boundless, reflects the Zen notion of “mu” (emptiness or nothingness) that underlies all experiences.
The juxtaposition of these elements invites the viewer to question the true nature of conflict and harmony. It may suggest the need for embracing the full range of human experiences—pain, serenity, and all that lies between—to reach a deeper understanding.
The imagery brings to mind Hexagram 59, “Huan” (Dispersion), which symbolizes the dissolving of barriers or the breaking down of obstacles. In the I Ching, it indicates a time when stagnation and blockages must be removed for a new flow of energy to emerge. The spiked orb embodies these blockages, while the smaller, distant orb suggests the dispersal of energy once these blockages have been overcome.
This interpretation aligns with the concept of movement toward clarity, where the forces of chaos or difficulty must be diffused to allow for spiritual awakening and growth.
When combining the perspectives of Zen and the I Ching, the artwork becomes a meditation on the cyclical nature of struggle and peace. The spiny orb may represent the inevitable challenges that arise in life, the “walls” we erect out of fear or defense. The smaller orb and the vast blue sky signify the way to transcend these difficulties, suggesting that, by dispersing one’s focus from rigid defenses and embracing a state of “mu,” one can achieve harmony.
From an art historical perspective, this piece could be linked to the Surrealist movement, with its dreamlike atmosphere and symbolic forms. The juxtaposition of objects in a seemingly barren expanse evokes works by artists like René Magritte and Yves Tanguy, who often explored themes of isolation, the subconscious, and metaphysical inquiry. The stark contrast between the earthly colors of the spheres and the infinite blue could suggest a dialogue between the physical and spiritual realms, a common trope in modernist art.
Overall, this piece resonates with existential questions and invites a journey into the depths of consciousness, where boundaries between form and formlessness dissolve, leading the observer toward enlightenment.
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“#7 Spore Y” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in volume I of the series Bob Camblin N Compleat Workes.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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