Taixu

I’ve recently begun taking the first steps in a new project titled Taixu, a term meaning “Great Emptiness” or “Cosmos,” referring to a state of void in both space and things. Taixu explores the profound interconnectedness of existence, inspired by the Heart Sutra’s teaching that dissolves the boundary between self and universe. This project examines how our bodies and beings are composed of the same cosmic elements that shape stars, the earth, and the sky, reflecting a unity beyond individuality.

Through visual narratives, Taixu meditates on the essence of being and non-being, weaving connections between physical and metaphysical realms - from stellar origins to the harmony of matter and anti-matter. It invites viewers to see themselves as part of an infinite network, where every form embodies emptiness, and every emptiness holds form, dissolving distinctions between self and other.

Taixu is a call to transcend separateness and embrace the boundless potential of interconnectedness, where each moment and form reflects the whole of existence. As this project flows with the blessing of the universe, I'm incredibly excited to see where it takes me and the experiences that await.

Alvin Ng is part of Issue 17 by Guest Editor Torbjørn Rødland.

Check out his Artist Feature Ovid’s Fasti.