zhuó 濯
Ink on rice paper (Suite of 12)
2020
濯 maps the cyclical architecture of absolution onto a sensitive, organic paper substrate across a grid of twelve distinct panels.
Expanding upon sacred iconography and vernacular ritual topologies, the twelve-part structure serves as a contemporary liturgical grid,
explicitly echoing traditional astronomical, calendrical, and ritual sequences:
Calendrical Rhythms: The twelve panels correspond to the annual progression of the twelve lunar months and seasonal shifts.
The unforgiving absorbency of raw rice paper records each irreversible stroke of ink, simulating the organic accumulation of growth, decay,
and temporal strain through seasonal cycles.
Astronomical Maps: The suite mirrors the celestial rotations of the twelve earthly branches (Dizhi) and zodiacal movements.
The varying densities, bleeds, and negative spaces across the paper generate a spatial cosmic map, situating micro-spiritual redemption
within macro-astronomical order.
Ritual Sequences: The grid functions as a sequential twelve-stage rite of purification across the traditional twenty-four-hour cycle.
Moving from initial transgression and containment through stages of physical abrasion, ink bleeding, and elemental washing (Zhuó),
the sequence culminates in the final unsealing and spiritual pact (Qì).