The Sanzaru Series
The concept of Sanzaru—the three wise monkeys—is a cornerstone of Japanese folklore, embodying the proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.' Historically linked to Buddhist beliefs about avoiding negativity to prevent spiritual consequences, these three figures have transcended their origins to become a globally recognized icon.
For this series, I wanted to move away from the traditional depiction and reinterpret the motif through a contemporary lens. Using vibrant markers and ink, I used a stylized female portrait with distinct blue curly hair as my canvas. By applying these ancient poses to a modern figure, I explored the timeless relevance of consciously filtering out negativity in today's world.
The universality of these poses allows for endless reinterpretation. I also enjoyed exploring the theme through the lens of pop culture fan art, applying the same iconic poses to characters like Harley Quinn, demonstrating just how recognizable this visual language remains.
