Lachhman Rekha IV

The work has been inspired by the well known incident in the epic Ramayana when the female protagonist, Sita, (right hand in 'abhaya' mudra of fearlessness and left indicating charity or compassion. She is also depicted here by the " the plough" and the Lotus) is persuaded by the antagonist Ravana (asking for "bhiksha" as the alms bowl in the work), to cross the line drawn by Lakshmana, depicted by the footprint across the line, thereby leading to the escalation of the epic to it's climax. The work also depicts the kidnapping of Sita. The horse is representative of the infamous "Apaharan". Also visible is the golden deer of temptation, and in the background is the Shesh Naag (interesting in mythological continuity Ram is the Avatar of Vishnu , who is always protected by the Shesh Naag hence representing Lakshman, and who is the Avatar of the Shesh Naag)

To the artist the crossing of the line by Sita is a point of inflection and has substantial social relevance even today.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 48" 
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique

Dhyana XII

In the work, the artist depicts the swirling random movement of the mind and uncontrolled circumstances that surround us, every moment, often dictating our actions. Thus we react to all that we are surrounded by and enveloped in. The monk is also therefore in a similar situation but appears to emerge out of it, retaining his serenity which is reflected by his posture. This retention of calmness in a tumultuous environment is achieved through Dhyana, the practice of mind control by which we stop all thinking and seek to realize Truth in its essence. Of the many different paths to Nirvana, the most important one  is the path of Dhyana, the practice of “stopping and realizing.”

Acrylic on canvas 48" X 48"

Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique

Trisul IV
Inspired by a visit to the cantonment mountain town of Ranikhet and the outstanding view of Trisul, a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun, with the highest (Trisul I) reaching 7120 m. The three peaks resemble a trident or  in Sanskrit, Trishula- being the weapon  used by Lord Shiva to protect himself and his devotees from evil.

Acrylic on canvas (48" x 36")
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique

Stillness

The artist seeks stillness in this time, of constant  shift and instant change, of desires converting to  needs and of greed being the Driving force of a life in turmoil where each moment slips into decay  before the next unknown  presents  itself.
"Stillness"...... That moment of unchanging. It is that pause before the first brush stroke of the painter,  that moment when  the writer's pen hovers over paper , that silence between  two musical notes, and indeed that pause between two breaths, between inhaling and exhaling. It is that brief fleeting moment which is  all around us at all levels, for us to seek.

Acrylic on canvas | 48" X 36"
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique

Divine Resonance - The Tibetan prayer bell II

A series in progress, depicted here by the Tibetan Prayer bell that seems to resonate deep into the dark spaces of the mind and indeed the significant void of space itself... ushering a sense of peace and spirituality

Acrylic on canvas 50" X 18"
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique

 Rudrani VI

Rudrani is Shakti and the consort of Rudra (Shiva). She later came to be identified as a manifestation of Durga. Rudrani is considered to be the confluence of the power of all goddesses. On an appeal from the Gods and armed by them she battled and vanquished the evil forces represented by Mahishasur the demon who appeared in several forms ( including that of a buffalo). Interestingly it may be observed that "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort and the significance of this title to the Mother Goddess indicates that she protects her devotees just as a fort protects a kingdom. 

This work is inspired by 1) Dassain / Durga Pooja and 2) the #metoo movement. In the work the artist has left one hand free of any weapons thus emphasising that Rudrani can also clearly battle on her own strength without several weapons and help being provided by the Gods. The work hence speaks of woman empowerment.

Acrylic on canvas 48" x 36"  
Status: Acquired 

 Lachhman Rekha III

The work has been inspired by the well known incident in the epic Ramayana when the female protagonist, Sita, (in a classic dance pose of anguish and also depicted here by the " the plough") is persuaded by the antagonist Ravana (asking for "bhiksha" as the alms bowl in the work), to cross the line drawn by Lakshmana, depicted by the footprint across the line, thereby leading to the escalation of the epic to it's climax. The work also depicts the kidnapping of Sita. The horse is representative of the infamous "Apaharan". Also visible is the golden deer of temptation. To the artist the crossing of the line by Sita is a point of inflection and has substantial social relevance even today.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 48" 
Status: Acquired

 

Dashavatara VI

As per Hindu Mythology, whenever the world has been threatened with disorder, evil and destructive forces, The Preserver among the Holy Trinity, Lord Vishnu has taken on various incarnations or avatars to restore cosmic order. Dashavatara refers to the ten primary incarnations of Vishnu that descended during times of chaos in each of the four Yugas or age in time. As per Puranic astronomical estimates together, these four yugas constitute one Mahayuga and equal 4.32 million human years. Interestingly the incarnations vary across regions and different sects of Hinduism and hence no list is bereft of controversy but importantly all believe in the essence of Dashavtara.

Fascinated by this concept the artist was moved to represent the mythology on canvas. 

Acrylic on canvas / 36" X 48" 
Status: Available

The Caretaker
The work is inspired by the bond and interdependence between the caretaker or guardian and the ward. The artist came across a heart warming scene in rural India where an old man, who seemed lonely and in penury, was lovingly taking care of a kid goat. However, it seemed obvious to the artist that it was the kid goat that was in actuality responsible for the wellness of it's guardian.

Acrylic on canvas (40 X 36)
Status: Available via Gallery Artistique 
Series: Miscellaneous works

A town named Nostalgia IV
I look back with a mix of emotions: sadness for the people who are gone, nostalgia for times that have passed, but immense gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that came my way. - Dick Van Patten
-
Acrylic on canvas 50 X 18
Status: Available via Gallerie Artistique, The Oberoi

 

Kendrit II

'Kendrit' means 'Focused'. It is often thought that the goal of meditation is to empty the mind. However It's not about "emptying" the mind; it's about focusing on a single focal point or an object that could be physical or mental. When the mind wanders, harnessing it and refocusing is achieved through meditation till the mind is totally absorbed to the exclusion of all  distractions. 

The monochromatic theme of the work signifies this exclusion of distractions, hence no colours that distract. It signifies the simplicity, purity and purpose of meditation. It is 'Kendrit'

We all occasionally experience this state spontaneously when for instance listening to a favourite piece of music or being engrossed in the arts. This focus is the key to a change in experiencing life and relating to others around us. 

Graphite, charcoal and acrylic on canvas (60" X 36") 
Acquired via Artistique Art Gallery

Rudrani V

Rudrani is Shakti and the consort of Rudra (Shiva). She later came to be identified as a manifestation of Durga. Rudrani is considered to be the confluence of the power of all goddesses. On an appeal from the Gods and armed by them she battled and vanquished the evil forces represented by Mahishasur the demon who appeared in several forms ( including that of a buffalo). Interestingly it may be observed that "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort and the significance of this title to the Mother Goddess indicates that she protects her devotees just as a fort protects a kingdom. 

This work is inspired by 1) Dassain / Durga Pooja and 2) the #metoo movement. In the work the artist has left one hand free of any weapons thus emphasising that Rudrani can also clearly battle on her own strength without several weapons and help being provided by the Gods. The work hence speaks of woman empowerment.

Acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 
Status: Acquired via Mojarto 

Nandana - The Celestial Garden

The work is a result of the artist being Impressed by the mythology of the celestial Garden of the Hindu God Indra called Nandana . It is also the home to the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree and the sweet-scented Parijata flower. The garden is said to be closely guarded by the young, beautiful and elegant apsaras or Celestial heavenly dancers. 

The work is an imaginative interpretation of this pleasure garden of unmatched beauty.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 36"
Status: Available
Series: Miscellaneous

 

Seeking Harmony 

Inspired by the auspicious elements of Buddhism the  artist has created this composition with a sense of synchronization of movement. 

The golden swirling clouds of abundance; the flight of the Black Necked Crane, a welcome winter visitor to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and a symbol of longevity; the supple, curved figure of the majestic Tiger, a Buddhist symbol of strength; the lush foliage signifying fertility; and the lapping  waves of life giving water, all forming a dance of joy for those Seeking Harmony in the turbulence of Life.

Acrylic on canvas | 36" X 36"
Acquired 
Series: Miscellaneous works

 Ashtamangala

In India belief in auspicious objects has existed from ancient times and has been prevalent across Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Mangala means that which is pure and sacred and that which possesses the power to ward off all evil. In this work the artist attempts to capture the essence of The set of Eight auspicious symbols of good fortune, the 'ashtamangala', which in Buddhism represent the offerings made by the God's to the Buddha (Shakyamuni) on his gaining Enlightenment. The hand in 'gyana' mudra in the centre represents the Buddha Himself.

There are several interpretations of each symbol. Some of which are:

1.The Conch represents that all pervasive deep peaceful sound of Buddhadharma, signifying the awakening of the believers from Ignorance. Interestingly in Hinduism the Conch is attributed to Vishnu who's avatar it is also believed is Shakyamuni Buddha.

2.The eternal knot represents the never ending deep Wisdom and Compassion of The Buddha  

3.The pair of golden fish symbolize Happiness represented by the complete spontaneity, fearlessness and freedom of movement of the fish in the water. Some connect the pair with the sacred rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna

4.The Lotus Flower (Padma) represents purity of the body, speech, and mind. Just as the Lotus floats above the muddy waters of desire and material greed

5.The jewelled parasol or Sacred Umbrella, represents Refuge from harm and suffering under the protection of Dharma  

6.The Treasure Vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, 

7. The Wheel. Believed to be The wheel of life, The Bhavachakra, and a symbolic representation of the cycle of existence as Buddhists believe in the continuous cycle of birth, life, death. Some also believe it to be the Dharmachakra, with the round shape of the wheel, representing the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching

8.The Victory Banner or Dhvaja, usually known as a military standard, represents The Buddha's victory over Mara, the Lord of Illusion, or the four hindrances in his path to Enlightenment.

Acrylic on canvas / 36" X 48" 
Status: Acquired

 Ashtamangala II

In India belief in auspicious objects has existed from ancient times and has been prevalent across Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. 

Mangala means that which is pure and sacred and that which possesses the power to ward off all evil. In this work the artist attempts to capture the essence of The set of Eight auspicious symbols of good fortune, the 'ashtamangala', which in Buddhism represent the offerings made by the God's to the Buddha (Shakyamuni) on his gaining Enlightenment. The hand in 'gyana' mudra in the centre represents the Buddha Himself. 

There are several interpretations of each symbol. Some of which are:

1.The Conch represents that all pervasive deep peaceful sound of Buddhadharma, signifying the awakening of the believers from Ignorance. Interestingly in Hinduism the Conch is attributed to Vishnu who's avatar it is also believed is Shakyamuni Buddha.

2.The eternal knot represents the never ending deep Wisdom and Compassion of The Buddha  

3.The pair of golden fish symbolize Happiness represented by the complete spontaneity, fearlessness and freedom of movement of the fish in the water. Some connect the pair with the sacred rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna

4.The Lotus Flower (Padma) represents purity of the body, speech, and mind. Just as the Lotus floats above the muddy waters of desire and material greed

5.The jewelled parasol or Sacred Umbrella, represents Refuge from harm and suffering under the protection of Dharma  

6.The Treasure Vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, 

7. The Wheel. Believed to be The wheel of life, The Bhavachakra, and a symbolic representation of the cycle of existence as Buddhists believe in the continuous cycle of birth, life, death. Some also believe it to be the Dharmachakra, with the round shape of the wheel, representing the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha's teaching

8.The Victory Banner or Dhvaja, usually known as a military standard, represents The Buddha's victory over Mara, the Lord of Illusion, or the four hindrances in his path to Enlightenment.

Acrylic on canvas / 48" X 36" 
Status: Acquired