Figure 1 Publishing

Art + Design

In the Present Moment

Buddhism, Contemporary Art and Social Practice

Haema Sivanesan. In collaboration with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

An engaging and sumptuously designed examination of the influence and impact of Buddhism on art in North America from the post-war period to the present.

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What is past is left behind.

The future is as yet unreached.

Whatever quality is present

you clearly see right there,

right there.

—Bhaddekaratta Sutta

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Book Description

Tracing a history of the intersection of Buddhist thought and artistic production in North America (United States and Canada) from the mid-20th century to the present, In the Present Moment draws on the extensive collections at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria along with leading research and, for many artists, lifelong investigations into the relationship between art, life, and Buddhist practice to explore how Buddhist ideas and philosophy have played an important and often underappreciated role in the development of contemporary art.

Author

Press

In the Present Moment is a rich volume that offers a multifaceted, nuanced, and thoughtful contemplation from many diverse voices.”

BuddhistDoor, World Wide Maria

In the Present Moment: Buddhism’s surprising influences on the development of contemporary art

Galleries West

Art Books 2022

Galleries West

Forthcoming from Figure 1

Avocado Diaries

In the Present Moment

Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies

BOOK DETAILS

  • Hardcover
  • 8.25 × 9.75 inches
  • 176 pages
  • 978-1-77327-164-4
  • $45 CDN / $40 USD
  • March 2022