Awakenings

Today's Times features a beautifully written review by Holland Cotter of Awakenings: Zen Figure Painting in Medieval Japan. The exhibit features art from Japan and China(where Zen originated). Cotter says this collection extends beyond the iconic rock gardens that most of us associate with Zen.

But why do sleepers appear in an art about being awake? In part to remind us that we are all dozing our lives away. But also to point out that sleep produces dreams, and dreams, to medieval Buddhists, were sources of a self-knowledge that can rouse us, sometimes rudely, from slumber.

The Japan Society show, with its dim alcoves and apparitional saints and clowns, has a dream-state feel itself. Every turn of a corner brings a surprise. Each image holds your attention, centers you right where you are. Even after you’ve left and your eyes have adjusted to the everyday light, you really feel you’ve been somewhere out of the ordinary. And you have.

Awakenings is on view at the Japan Society in New York until June 17.

"Fish-Basket Kannon," a 15th-century scroll by Bokkei Saiyo photo: Kaz Tsuruta/Japan Society