Japanese artist Minoru Togashi studied Buddhist sculpture under Hakuun Sakuma and began his "Stairway to the Void" series in 1964. "Voidness", more commonly known as “emptiness” in English, is one of the main insights of Buddha. Buddha realized that the deepest source of everyone’s problems in life is their confusion about how they, others and everything exists. Their minds project impossible ways of existing onto everything. Unaware that what they project does not correspond to reality, people create problems and sufferings for themselves. Reaching a state of "voidness" allows for liberation from pain.
The artist intended for people to interact closely with his work - to see and to touch them. His hope was for them to bring peace and harmony to viewers. In fact, he donated many works to his hometown of Tsuruoka, Japan, where it is on view to the public free of charge.
Inquire about this artwork
Add this artwork to your space.