Zhang Huan’s Ash Head series is actually made of ash from incense. In this particular example, the ash was collected from Shanghai temples, resulting in a long process of collecting and sorting the ash. The sculpture actually smells like the incense burnt during prayers, filling the gallery space with the scent that immediately brings to mind the peace and meditation of the monks. By recycling this material, the artist brings the viewer some of the catharsis of those prayers.
Click through on the image for a link to the artist’s website.
