A guide and making ofGuan Yin: Revered Perceiver of SoundBlack Hole: Ruthless Preceptor of Space and Time

Starting with paper, I sketched the geometric guides I had developed for Black Hole. This initial and essential step ensured that both paintings adhered to the same compositional principles.

These simple lines provided a cohesive framework for both paintings, helping to determine the proportions and positions of key elements, allowing them to function as a unified pair while also standing independently.

Like Black Hole, the new painting consists of three major components: a central circle, a mythical figure, and a background.

From here, I will develop each component individually before assembling them into a cohesive whole.

Basic shapes and lines which formed the primary guides of Guan yin.

觀音

In Chinese, the character 觀 signifies 'observe' while 音 denotes 'sound'.

My most challenging task was to recreate a mystical figure that truly embodies both the essence and attributes of the deity Guanyin.

Unlike the more traditional and intense demeanor of its predecessor, I envisioned this version of the figure to be contemporary and serene in appearance.

Drawing inspiration from ancient guanyin sculptures, I depicted the figure seated with one foot on the ground, head slightly tilted, eyes cast downward, and a gentle smile.

Wood carving of Guanyin, Bodhisattva of Compassion, Jin dynasty, early 12th century. Museum of Art Boston.

To enhance the figure's auditory capabilities, I added shape-shifting ears that envelop the entire head, granting it the divine ability to detect and listen to sounds from all directions simultaneously.

With a large head, the lower half of the figure was designed to visually balance the upper body's volume. I also incorporated a mechanism to dissipate and cancel the constant waves of sorrow, preventing the deity from metaphorically falling into despair.

And just like this, a new perceiver of sounds, “Guan Yin”, emerged. 

The animated image which inspired the mechanic of the dissipation of sound in Guan Yin. Source unknown.

To visually depict sound on a flat surface, I delved into cymatics, the study of how sound vibrations create visual patterns.

The cymatics photos and films possess an almost mystical quality, often described as 'geometry in motion.' It's remarkable how we can 'see' the structures of sounds through the scientific lens, as suggested by Guanyin's name.

Lacking experience in this area, I reached out to cadboy_hk, a cymatics artist from Hong Kong, who immediately grasped the concept and graciously allowed me to use one of his cymatics photographs.

The pattern captured in this photograph by cadboy_hk was created by sound waves passing through a circular dish of water at a frequency of 29.14Hz.

The photo reveals a unique 7-fold wave structure at this frequency, illustrating how the waves dynamically move in and out, up and down within the dish, following a specific pattern. It's truly fascinating, isn't it?

A still photograph captured by cadboy_hk, showcasing the natural interplay of water, light, and sound vibrations at 29.14Hz in a circular dish, illuminated by a ring of multicolored lights.

To finalise the design, I integrated the new mystical figure with the cymatic photo, carefully adjusting the size and position of key elements. After numerous iterations, I am now content with every aspect of the final composition.

With the design still on paper, I transferred and enlarged the image onto a 120cm round plywood panel. Using a combination of traditional and modern engraving tools, I carefully carved the lines to achieve the desired texture. The carved woodblock was then gently sanded.

Finally, I applied layers of paint, carefully choosing colors that would enhance the intricate details and bring the composition to life.

Commissioned by Fairfield City Museum & Gallery (FCMG) for the group show 'Heaven Within Earth' in 2025, the creation of Guan Yin offered me a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of my imagination and delve deeper into the themes explored in Black Hole.

Ultimately, Guan Yin and Black Hole came together to form a series titled 'Jñāna,' which translates to wisdom in Sanskrit.

Like a pair of eyes, they narrate humanity's quest to explore the external world, seeking to understand physical reality, while simultaneously turning inward to listen with compassion to our cognitive realm, as we contemplate the essence of life.

I am grateful to Alinde and Carmel from FCMG for allowing me to explore new areas beyond my usual practice and collaborate with talented writers, Tian Zhang and Cariely Tunion, on this project.

Their insightful perspectives on Jñāna and Guan Yin have enriched the paintings, offering fresh interpretations and layers of meaning.

I hope this guide has provided you with a deeper understanding of my woodblock paintings, allowing you to appreciate them from a fresh perspective.

Best Regards, 
‍Kean Onn See