The painting "Dancing Monk" is the first in the Monks series where I transition from stillness to movement. Here, the pastel texture reveals the density, matte softness, and richness of the kimono’s drapery, while the direction of the strokes enhances the dynamism of the Nun’s dance.
In this piece, I merge the human figure with nature. The leaves in the background symbolize the fleeting nature of life: on one hand, you are alive, beautiful, and blooming; on the other, you are always in a state between birth and death. Through the Monk’s closed eyes, I wanted to convey detachment from the world and deep focus on the inner sensations of her dance and movement. A slight tilt of the shoulder, the emphasis on the hands, the movement of the fingers—all these subtle details express the inner impulses that barely manifest outwardly.
For me, monasticism is a timeless image, uniting both cosmic energy and human existence. The Monk’s shaven head and pink eyelashes symbolize the playfulness of life, where one can embody any state, any form, any role—whichever they choose.