Diamond Sutra: Beyond All Illusions

金剛經：諸相非相

A Group Exhibition by Hsun Chiang 蔣勳, Yung-Ling Tseng 曾永玲, and Nick Dong 董承濂

2024 OCT 25 - 2025 MAR 02, 10:30-17:30 (off Mon & Tue)

Chishang Barn Art Museum 池上穀倉美術館

This autumn, artists Hsun Chiang (蔣勳), Yung-Ling Tseng (曾永玲), and Nick Dong (董承濂) will jointly curate the Diamond Sutra: Beyond All Illusions exhibition at the Chishang Barn Art Museum (池上穀倉美術館) in Taitung. Inspired by the Buddhist classic Diamond Sutra, the exhibition brings together the works of these three artists, aiming to guide viewers back to a state of inner peace, free from fear and disturbance.

About the Diamond Sutra

The Diamond Sutra, one of the most revered texts in Buddhism, is often referred to as the "King of Sutras." Those who study this sutra are believed to gain profound insights into the true essence of life. After Taiwan’s recent trials, the pandemic, earthquakes, and typhoons, we have invited Master Hsun Chiang, alongside artists Yung-Ling Tseng and Nick Dong, to present Diamond Sutra: Beyond All Illusions. Set against the natural beauty of Chishang(池上) in Taitung, the exhibition seeks to manifest the core teachings of the Diamond Sutra in visual form.

For believers, the Diamond Sutra represents both faith and practice. However, as Hsun Chiang explains, the sutra is not only a religious text but also a philosophical and intellectual masterpiece. Over the centuries, each reader has found their own understanding between its lines. This interdisciplinary exhibition will feature Hsun Chiang’s devout handwritten scriptures and paintings, Yung-Ling Tseng’s finely honed metalwork, Nick Dong’s immersive multimedia installations, and rare replicas provided by the National Palace Museum and the National Library, showcasing the historical development of printing inspired by faith. Diamond Sutra: Beyond All Illusions offers not only the artists' journeys of self-exploration but also blessings for the public, encouraging them to return to their roots and find peace.

EXHIBITION HighLiGHTS

Hsun Chiang will exhibit his handwritten Diamond Sutra, displayed in the corridor of the Chishang Barn Art Museum. Since the beginning of summer 2024, Master Chiang has been writing the sutra on traditional xuan paper each morning. Although not originally intended for exhibition, these writings naturally became the quiet reflection of this showcase, much like the ancient Diamond Sutra inscriptions on Mount Tai, worn by time.

Yung-Ling Tseng has created a copper metalwork piece specifically for this exhibition, symbolizing fragmented lotus leaves and verses from the Diamond Sutra. The artwork invites viewers into a delicate dialogue between reality and illusion, encouraging contemplation of the physical properties of metal and spiritual transcendence.

Nick Dong will will present his multimedia installation Auspicious 88 - Dharma Wheel of Ego & Egoless (八十八吉祥－我執與無我的法輪), making its Taiwan debut. This internationally acclaimed piece uses mirrors and sound to explore the impermanence of life and the dissolution of ego. Inspired by the Buddhist Dharma Wheel, the installation immerses viewers in a circular room surrounded by mirrored walls, creating infinite reflections. As the space transforms with shifting light and sound, the reflections gradually disappear, symbolizing the release of self-attachment and offering an experience of inner peace and egolessness. New works from the Auspicious 88 serie will also be introduced, interpreting the philosophy of Diamond Sutra.

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