How painting calms the mind like meditation – artists in Hong Kong group show on the therapy of repetition
- Mandalas, with their intricate, repetitive designs, help Hindus and Buddhists grow spiritually. Chun Poon sees parallels between making them and painting
- Poon explores that idea in Mandalas, an exhibition of work by five Hong Kong artists. They talk of the freedom, catharsis and calmness that painting brings them
In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, mandalas are an object of meditation that aid focus and help with a person’s spiritual growth, the geometric designs – mostly circular – made up of repetitive colours, shapes and patterns.
The intricate designs of the Tibetan sand mandalas can take days or even weeks to complete.
Hong Kong-based art consultant Chun Poon saw parallels between the making of mandalas and an artist’s creative process, from the idea to completion, which can span months.
He saw similarities in the monotonous activity of applying repetitive techniques, which is sometimes needed when creating art, while an artist, too, can find themselves in the zone, deeply connected with the creation while disconnected from the rest of the world.
“Spiritual does not mean religious; it is more about focusing on something that calms down the mind,” says Poon. “Of course, some artworks will project more excitement than peace of mind. But when you go through small details, it shifts your mind away from everything else.