The artistic world of Kei Sugiyama is deeply influenced by the history of Nara, Japan, where he was born and raised. Nara is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the 8th century, it was the center of Japan and home to many famous temples and artworks. Among them, the "Great Buddha of Nara" stands at a height of 15 meters and was a symbol of Japan. The main concept of this artwork is "Nirvana," which signifies a deity achieving enlightenment and departing from the earthly realm. Kei's depiction of empty and vacant chairs references the composition of Buddhist paintings depicting scenes of a deity's entry into nirvana. The central sofa symbolizes the deity's seated presence, evoking the image of disciples grieving and mourning around. The absence of figures allows for contemplation of the beings that might have been present there. This emptiness prompts reflection on the individuals who could have occupied the space. Furthermore, this artwork serves as a starting point for referencing compositions from renowned art pieces depicting existing figures, and then creating new works devoid of those figures. Perhaps it is only in absence that a presence truly magnifies.