Assumption Sword

作品賞析

SHIU Tzu-Kuan often uses self-constructed prophecies to convey inner mindsets and desires within people. Assumption Sword is based upon the Chinese classic Journey to the West describing the journey of a Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang who traveled to India to acquire original Buddhist scriptures, while braving ambushes and traps laid by demons and monsters along the way. Fortunately, Tang Sanzang was protected by his lead disciple Sun Wukong. Unlike the historical character of Master Xuanzang, Tang Sanzang as rendered in the novel was more mortal in manner and personality. SHIU Tzu-Kuan created an artwork that retold the original story. The lizard, centipede, frog, spider, and snake are monsters that the monk encountered during his journey. Unfortunately, the monk was not protected by Sun Wukong on this trip and was slain by the demons. The skeletal remains of the brave monk have been transformed into a Sword of the Heavens to mark his passing.