Buddhist ceremonial wall hanging (Pidan) c. 1985

This Buddhist ceremonial wall hanging, or Pidan, was made by an anonymous artist, using an unknown process. There is an amazing symmetry in its design, and it looks like the kind of thing where you might spot something different every time you look at it. The color palette is a gorgeous mix of reds, oranges, whites and purples, which gives the piece a warm, spiritual feeling. The elephants, with their raised trunks, almost look like they’re dancing. I love how the artist repeats patterns in a way that's both orderly and exciting, but doesn’t allow for any one, fixed way of seeing. When I look at this Pidan, I am reminded of the work of artists like Yayoi Kusama, who uses repetition in a similar way. What I love about this piece is the way it embodies the spirit of art itself: an ongoing dialogue that blends ideas across cultures and time.