Fūgai Ekun 風外慧薫

Fūgai Ekun, a Japanese Zen monk and painter, lived from 1568 to 1654. He was a prominent figure in the Zenga art movement, which is characterized by its spontaneous and expressive brushwork, often used as a form of Zen practice. Ekun's work is noted for its simplicity and directness, reflecting the Zen principles of enlightenment and the transient nature of life. Throughout his life, he traveled extensively, spreading Zen teachings and influencing the development of Zen art in Japan. His paintings often depicted traditional Zen subjects, such as Bodhidharma and Hotei, and he is remembered for his ability to convey profound spiritual messages through minimalistic imagery. Ekun's contributions to Zenga have left a lasting impact on the integration of Zen philosophy and visual art.