Ryu Enchi

Works

Large Works on Canvas and Rice Paper (1998-2009)

Originally inspired by Lee Ufan, Enchi often uses sumi ink to paint over gessoed canvases. Varying greatly in size, each work is designed for the specific place it will be hung. As a general rule, Enchi accepts no more than 6 commissions each year. These site-specific works refer to the temple screen paintings of the Muromachi Period in Japan, when Buddhist painters would often take up residence at a temple in order to carry out commissions.

These temporary gallery and museum installations allow viewers to experience sumi ink on a larger scale. "I remember the first time I walked into a room painted entirely by Buson at Ginkakuji. Though I tried to admire the walls as a work of art, I instead became extremely contemplative and self-conscious in the manner that the painter probably intended. This was why temples had rooms full of ink painted screens.", recalls Enchi.