Mizaru

One of a series of three, this triptych combines mixed media—watercolor and oil on canvas—to offer a poignant modern interpretation of the ancient Japanese symbol of the "Three Wise Monkeys," which represents the moral principle of avoiding evil.  In this specific piece, a golden band covers the subject's eyes. In contrast to the historical source where hands cover the eyes, the choice of a gilded material raises questions about willful blindness or concealment driven by considerations of prestige and status. The nose and lips remain exposed, emphasizing the persistence of a sensory world even within visual darkness.  The connection between the three portraits creates a philosophical statement on the modern human condition. While the ancient source advocated for moral purity, this work suggests that in contemporary society, these principles have morphed into tools of detachment and ignorance. The interplay between the transparency of watercolor and the opacity of oil underscores the conflict between the exposed soul and the masks we choose to wear.