The Triptych See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, is a modern interpretation of the well-known proverbial principle, sometime referred to as the Three Mystic Apes. It is through this group that Andy combines the past with narratives from the present.
The inspiration for these paintings originated from a 17th century carving of The Mystic Apes placed over a door whilst visiting the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan. They are known in Japan as the Golden Rule;
“Look not at what is contrary to propriety,
Listen not to what is contrary to propriety,
Speak not what is contrary propriety”.
The three paintings re-interpret these proverbs towards social issues the artist witnessed while reading and travelling in Japan. These are general themes found in any industrialised nation, yet are specifically focused on Japan. The three he alludes to are;
Landscape Desecration (coastal tetrapods) (See)
Social Isolation (technology) (Hear)
Environmental Pollution (Sugi/Redwood Plantations) (Speak)
In melding his themes of past and present, all of the geishas are wearing traditional Kimonos but in turn project contemporary themes.
The inspiration for these paintings originated from a 17th century carving of The Mystic Apes placed over a door whilst visiting the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan. They are known in Japan as the Golden Rule;
“Look not at what is contrary to propriety,
Listen not to what is contrary to propriety,
Speak not what is contrary propriety”.
The three paintings re-interpret these proverbs towards social issues the artist witnessed while reading and travelling in Japan. These are general themes found in any industrialised nation, yet are specifically focused on Japan. The three he alludes to are;
Landscape Desecration (coastal tetrapods) (See)
Social Isolation (technology) (Hear)
Environmental Pollution (Sugi/Redwood Plantations) (Speak)
In melding his themes of past and present, all of the geishas are wearing traditional Kimonos but in turn project contemporary themes.
LINKS TO THE TRYPTYCH
Text from "Behind the Kimono"
