Estetica del vuoto in Mori Mariko Un uso strategico del discorso sullo Zen

This paper investigates how contemporary artist Mori Mariko has constructed her discourse on Buddhism in general and Zen in particular. In her works, Zen is perceived and described as ‘spirituality’ characterised by the concept of oneness and a harmonious relationship with nature. It will become clear how Suzuki Daisetsu’s construction of Zen has influenced this essentialist view. The paper concludes that through the analysis of Mori’s works it is possible to reach a better understanding of what ‘Zen’ means today, especially in the Euro-American contexts.