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

Keshav

Mythology is fascinating. This work is based on  the Hindu God Krishna and his battles against his evil uncle Kansa, who unleashes demonic forces to terminate the young Krishna. In this instance Kansa  finally assigns the demon Keshi who assumes the form of a huge horse. Keshi gallops at the speed of thought, wears the earth with his hooves and scatters celestial vehicles and clouds in the sky with his mane  in search of Krishna. Krishna challenges Keshi to a duel, as they engage in battle, Keshi roars like a lion strikes with his hooves, opens his mouth and attacks Krishna who thrusts his arm  into Keshi's mouth, and chokes him to death. 

 The work depicts this epic battle with the evil Kansa in the top left window and the contrasting tranquil form of a cow in the bottom right. It is also believed that while "Keshav" is widely used to refer to lord Vishnu, It applies to Krishna ( an avatar of Vishnu) as he had slain Keshi. Interestingly, Keshighat is a major bathing ghat on the river Yamuna in Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have overpowered Keshi. It is also believed that Keshi represents doubts that run like wild horses in the mind and hence need to be conquered.

Acrylic on Canvas | 48" X 36

Status: Acquired via Gallerie Artistique

Series: Miscellaneous works

 

 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: Available

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