Rachel Meuler

Characters of the Fuyapasa

The landscape and characters of the Fuyapasa embody the dynamic struggle between the self and other, both internally and externally. The name is a combination of three words: Fu, Yaksi, and Empathy. Empathy is the ability to recognize and share feelings experienced by another. From Indian mythology, Yaksi are guardian demons and benevolent nature spirits, and the landscape they inhabit. Fu are both the ancient Chinese lion and dragon. As the lion, the Fu acts as a living megaphone, sonically projecting the authenticity or goodness of the space it protects to anyone receptive to its frequency. As the dragon it acts as guardian of a sacred space and symbolizes the fear of entering the unknown, especially the unknown within ourselves. Aikido says that when we act and react out of fear, we see energy and its manifestations as monsters.

The Fuyapasa are monsters. They are guardians. They are heroes. They are engaged in undertaking the adventure that defines the hero, have undergone the metaphorical death and resurrection. They are in the transformative experience in which they face what is missing in their consciousness. These portraits and landscapes give you glimpses into their saga, and imply hierarchy and narrative, but offer no conclusions.