The Sound of Silence: Zen Painting

From July 7 to December 31, 2025, the Corfu Museum of Asian Art presents The Sound of Silence: Zen Painting, a temporary exhibition exploring how Zen Buddhism influenced Japanese art – particularly painting – as a vehicle for both personal expression and spiritual exploration.

Visitors will learn about Zen as a school of Buddhism that emphasises enlightenment through meditation. At the heart of Zen practice is zazen – seated meditation – which strengthens the mind and leads to awakening and enlightenment. From the 7th century, Zen philosophy gradually spread to Japan, initially influencing the Samurai class, and later spreading to literature and art, offering new spiritual and aesthetic dimensions.

It further developed during the Muromachi period (1392-1573), with brushstrokes that are characterised by a strict yet dynamic simplicity and monochrome depictions that convey an air of spiritual intellect and searching. Through these works, visitors can experience the integration of Zen with painting: the line is the heart of the art, while enlightenment is its ultimate goal.

Dating from the 15th to the 19th century, exhibits include rare Japanese painting scrolls (kakemono), Edo-period (1600-1868) folding screens, and hand-printed Japanese editions on washi paper.

There are rare examples of the suiboku-ga (ink wash painting) tradition, alongside pieces by Hakuin Ekaku, the Edo-period monk credited with reviving Zen painting in Japan and showing – through depictions of Daruma (the founder of Zen) and koans (contemplative riddles) – that Zen art is not merely aesthetic but a path of spiritual development.

Alongside these are works by Katsushika Hokusai, renowned for his famous piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Among them is The Moon Over the Waves, which explores Zen aesthetics. Through the simplicity of its lines, a strong connection to nature, and the depiction of dynamic movement, Hokusai portrays nature not just as a theme but as a spiritual force that shapes human life.

The exhibition concludes with an interactive presentation of a workshop on the conservation of Japanese painting scrolls (kakemono), a highly specialised process that ensures the integrity of these works, preserving their spiritual and artistic value for future generations.

The Sound of Silence: Zen Painting is organised by the Corfu Museum of Asian Art and the Ministry of Culture, under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan and the Region of the Ionian Islands.

Source: Corfu Museum of Asian Art Official Website

Ticket Details

• Regular ticket: 10€
• Reduced ticket: 5€

From November 1^st to March 31^st the reduced ticket applies for all visitors.

Days with free entrance to the museum:

• Last weekend of September: European Heritage Days
• 28 October: National holiday
• 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month – from November 1 to March 31

The Museum is open Monday to Sunday, 08:00 - 20:00.

**Please refer to the official website and/or the museum for possible changes to times and dates.**