Hearer of the Cries
2020
12 x 5 x 4
Wood statue, acrylic spray paint, paint marker
The Bodhisattva Kannon is one of the most popular deities in Buddhist countries. As a figure who is said to respond mercifully upon hearing cries of suffering, Kannon is a salvific being that represents aspects of ourselves when we reach out to aid others. This painted statue is the first in the series of altered sculpture pieces centered on Kannon imagery. The base statue was found in a Methodist church storage room and painted with colorful graffiti-like shapes to evoke a sense that even though the deity had been defaced, Kannon still appears to be gazing with compassion.