Urban TsaTsa

Manifesto

Urban Tsatsa uses mixed techniques, pattern repetition and wuwei drawing to convey a message of freedom and tolerance. It aims at reconnecting us with our spontaneous nature, free of social conditionnings. It is an invitation to tap into our creative being without restraint nor fear of judgement.

Read on to find out about tsatsa making, wuwei drawing and about me.

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Concepts

Tsatsa
A tsatsa is a devotional sculpture found in Tibetan Buddhism. It is made by hand as an offering and left by pilgrims in temples. Tsatsas are made in large amounts and displayed in dedicated shrines. This practice is said to help freeing the soul as one progresses on the path of spiritual awakening. Making tsatsas is a form of meditation similar to mantras. Instead of repeating a sound, the practitioner finds a soothing and cleansing rhythm through repetitive movements.

Wuwei
Wuwei is a Chinese term which could be translated as "effortless action". It involves flowing with life as it unfolds, without going against the turn of events, in order to avoid suffering. To walk on this path of least resistance, one has to be perfectly present and aligned with each moment. This state is better known as "being in the zone".
I call my spontaneous doodles "wuwei drawings" because they are based on the Daoist approach of wuwei. I allow the pencil to move freely on the page without expectation, perfectly poised in the moment. When I start a wuwei drawing, I never know what it will look like once finished.

Graffiti and tags
Both are means of self-expression that we can trace back to 2000 years ago.
Graffiti often are intricate pieces of art whereas tags consist in the repeated use of a symbol or series of symbols to communicate something or assert one's presence in a certain territory.
I seek a visual resemblance between the repetitive motion of tsatsa drawing/stamping and tag making. Both emerge spontaneously, assert their presence through repetition and convey a message.