Slanted 31 Tokyo

In this essay, Dermot dives into the impact of Zen Buddhism on design and art, looking at how this approach shapes creativity. He takes a look at two major figures from Japan’s creative history: Ikko Tanaka (1930–2002), a trailblazer in 20th-century graphic design, and Hon’ami Koetsu (1558–1637), a master artist from the Edo period.

Both Tanaka and Koetsu’s work reveals Zen’s influence—simplicity, mindfulness, and a deep connection to tradition, all woven into their creations. For Dermot, Tanaka’s work has been a major influence throughout his own design journey, so writing about him felt like a real honor.