This work by the Chinese artist Zeng Xiang is titled Pāramitā — a Sanskrit word meaning “perfection” or “crossing over.” Interestingly, in Chinese the same word also means “jackfruit.” Zeng plays with this double meaning, reshaping the three Chinese characters for pāramitā into the form of a jackfruit. His strong, bold brushstrokes fill the shape with deep, layered ink. Gold leaf glows over the surface, suggesting the light of wisdom. Unlike his earlier, explosive performances known as “roaring calligraphy,”here his energy is held inside the oval outline of the fruit. The large characters below feel solid and grounding, while the finer lines above flow like living veins. This shimmering gold-and-black fruit brings together sculpture, calligraphy, and Buddhist symbolism —a playful yet thoughtful meditation on harmony, faith, and shared humanity.
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