The name “zen:ga” is primarily related to the Japanese expression “gazen ichimi” which means“zen and painting are identical.”
In these series Eva Stauf is influenced by the meditative approach of zen painting practice.
The paintings on cotton canvas come to life in a specific moment of the present often in a single gesture, highlighting the dynamic tension between fullness and emptiness.

During the creative process, the artist incorporates her own movements while making gestural paintings. These paintings emerge during a “Gaga” Session where the painting and dancing processes intertwine and occur simultaneously in a single moment.

Gaga ist a movement language developed by choreographer Ohad Naharin, exploring various textures and qualities of movement and open to anyone.
In Gaga, there is a specific use of imagery and a distinct visual language that serves as inspiration the zen:ga series.