ART
- Just as Zen Buddhism has tremendously influenced Eastern art and, during the 20th century, Western art as well, Taoism dramatically influenced Zen Buddhism and its art. Abstract artists like Barnett Newman, writers like Jack Kerouac, musicians like John Cage, and entire artistic movements like Gutai and Fluxus were deeply influenced by Zen philosophy.
Qi or Spirit and Its Fruits
- The term qi, or spirit, summarized the presence of the Tao in painting. If an artist had qi, everything else would follow naturally; but if qi was lacking, no likeness, embellishments, technique, or even genius could prevent the work from appearing lifeless. How can one explain what qi was? The Chinese have written extensively on the subject, attempting to define this internal mystery that, in their eyes, held the secret to artistic value. Qi was an isolated concept in Jing Hao's enumeration of the 'Six Fundamentals' of painting.