佐藤純

Jun Sato

Echoes of the Romanesque: Memories in Stone, Spaces of Zen
Since encountering the simple yet profound spirituality of Romanesque art in France some twenty years ago, the artist has continued to travel and document these sacred sites.
This exhibition will feature primarily recent unpublished works, focusing on church capital sculptures. Beyond illustrating biblical narratives, these sculptures—with their depictions of human frailties and vices—serve as a catalyst for inner reflection. Their remarkably naive expressions and sense of humor evoke a surprisingly modern aesthetic.
Following exhibitions in 2014 and 2016, this project finds its place at Ryusen-an, a sub-temple of Myoshin-ji. Though distinct in religion and culture, the stone churches of the West and the Zen temples of Japan resonate deeply as sanctuaries for prayer and contemplation.
As ancient memories carved in stone intersect with the serene atmosphere of the temple, the universal appeal of Romanesque art is brought into a new light.