Xn3cTs

One Sorry Horse, a.k.a. Balinguyngoy

Artist’s Statement for ONE SORRY HORSE

How does one incorporate the mistakes of one’s life into the very essence of who and what one is? How does one transform the accidentals of one’s life into what is essential?

I first wanted to present the idea of a holy horse, not in a satirical manner, nor through the presentation of purity (as in a white horse). Besides, the idea of a “virginal horse” seems to be a contradiction in terms. Instead, I wanted to convey the idea of a holy compassion that one gains by plodding through the dirty dust and murky waters of life. (Think of Milarepa and St. Augustine of Hippo.)

But in the process of discovering how to present this visually through the taka, I made a lot of serious mistakes. I didn’t know what to make of these accidents until I thought of making this bewilderment the very point of the exercise. The remorse I felt for not reining in my instincts was brought into the work, and deliberate “accidents” (dismembered ears and tail) were added to the accidental mistakes (splotches of paint originally intended to dirty the holy horse) to signify the loving acceptance of one’s fate.

Balinguynguy,  as friends fondly call it, was born out of a mistake.

And I wouldn’t want it to be otherwise.

best regards,

ian