CONTEXT OF PRACTICE

COP NOTES (Note to self) - Japanese Aesthetics? It's an actual thing...!?

I was reading through the various -isms, and it mentioned the theory and philosophy of Japanese aesthetics being an influence towards modernism movement. I wasn't sure if it would be relevant to my research, though I decided to look into it since it seemed interesting.

How my brain processed all this:

Japanese aesthetics = aesthetic ideas + Buddhism (?)
(it's not as strange as it seems. A very philosophical -ism.)

The principles:

mono no aware (the pathos of things)

wabi (subdued, aloof beauty?)

sabi (rustic patina)

yugen (mysterious profundity)

iki (refined style)

kire (cutting.)

MONO NO AWARE

to be aware of things (?)
valued for its short-lived nature (e.g. cherry blossoms) - since they usually begin to fall within a week of their first appearing
said to evoke the wistful feeling of mono no aware in the viewer

WABI

simple, understated (first praised in poetry, art of tea and the context of Zen - Kenko, poet)
minor imperfections are often valued more highly in comparison to those that are supercifially perfect
a simple structure, but a special and evocative one
emphasises on light and shadow

SABI

something that has aged well, grown rusty or has acquired a change through time that makes it beautiful
SABIshi - lonely, solitary
the idea of older things connects us with the past in a way that shiny products of modern technology simply cannot
closer connection to the natural environment - older things tend to be made by natural materials

YUGEN

IKI

examine the objective expressions of the phenomenon, which are either natural or artistic
subtleness, nuance - e.g human body's slight relaxation, a voice of medium pitch
parallel lines, vertical stripes are expressive of iki
grays, browns and blues

KIRE

Literally means cutting
for an art that begins by initiating their death (?)
buddhists viewpoint of the impermanence of things, plants, which lack locomotion and by sinking roots into the earth

What I thought was interesting is that the basis of Japanese Aesthetics revolves around the idea of nature, impermanency and constant change. I feel that in a way, it is related to the current modern culture/society, where everything is always changing, moving forward. (Mind blown!! Then again, this is a philosophical idea on how life could work)

I feel that this leans more towards the Eastern-Asian culture and philosophy. Though I could see the connection and basic idea taken from it: the idea of experimentation, change, welcoming simplicity and the artists' personal expression. In a way it is something that I could see in my own practice as well.

Sources/Link (further reading):

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-aesthetics/#Bib
https://www.japaneseaesthetics.com