This set of commissions consists of 40 abstract canvas paintings. Although it wasn't a necessity to have a theme, I made an effort to have some thought process behind my work. I decided to work on the theme of “Elements of Hinduism”. I concluded that I would select 10 elements and make four paintings each. Among the countless elements that can represent Hinduism, I selected five animals/birds and five things. The five animals are the blue horse, bull, tiger, swan, and elephant. The five things are trishul, lotus, sitar, bells, and a peacock feather. In the next section, more information on each element will be covered.
BLUE HORSE
Horses have expansive energy. They have been highly represented in the spiritual world as well as in religion worldwide. Similarly, even in Hinduism, horses symbolize and act as an analogy for the human body, i.e., the human soul is the rider, the body is the chariot, the intellect is the charioteer, the mind is the reins, and horses are the senses and the desires. Horses also represent independence, freedom, nobleness, endurance, confidence, strength, and courage. While choosing the 10 elements that this series would represent within Hinduism, I finalized that one element would be a horse. But the battle I had in my mind was as to which specific horse within Hinduism I would represent. At the end, I choose the mythical blue horse, i.e., the vehicle of Lord Shyam, who would be highly worshipped in the "Kalyug" (the age of darkness, the age of Kali (demon), the age of vice and misery, and the age of quarrel and hypocrisy).
TRISHUL
Trishul is a divine weapon that can only be wielded by Shiva and Shakti; the power within the weapon makes it impossible for others to yield it. A trishul looks similar to a trident, but they have different meanings and structures upon close examination. The trishul is slightly curved outward at the tip, which isn't the case with the trident. The three spears (left, center, and right) represent multiple things, i.e., present, past, and future; creation, preservation, and destruction; body, mind, and soul; death, ascension, and resurrection; waking, dreaming, and sleeping; "satva, "rajas," "tamas', etc. While choosing the 10 elements that this series would represent, I had to use this extremely meaningful and powerful weapon. I added a few elements alongside it, i.e., the symbol ॐ, Shiva's third eye, holy red cloth, and blue fire (the strongest type of fire).
BULL
Bulls symbolize determination, strength, and virility. Some religions believed that bulls acted as guarantors of fertility. Bulls, specifically 'Nandi' in Hinduism, is a symbol of delight and joy. He serves as Lord Shiva's mode of transportation, his most ardent worshipper, and also the guard of Mount Kailash, i.e., Lord Shiva's place of residence. Additionally, it is a symbol of stability, supported by the four virtues or the four legs, i.e., Sathya (truth), dharma (righteousness), shanti (peace), and prema (love). I was planning to use a mix of cows and bulls, both important animals in Hinduism, but I ended up using one specific bull, 'Nandi' . It appeared to be more focused and ideal for the element series.
LOTUS
Lotus symbolizes eternity, fertility, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.As it has emerged from much with no blemishes and stains, the lotus is regarded to be one of nature's finest creations. Hinduism's philosophy states that the first thing born during creation was a lotus, and the bud of a lotus was the womb for the universe of gods. Many Indian gods and goddesses have been seen either carrying the lotus or seated on it, including Lord Vishnu and Brahma, Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, and Gauri. Such a pure element had to be a part of this series. It was also the first set of paintings I started with during this set of commissions.
TIGER
In different cultures, tigers may symbolize everything from strength, cunning, majesty, independence, immortality, aggressiveness, bravery, and power. The magnificence and valor that it radiates add to its beauty and fierceness. In Hinduism, the goddess Durga rides a tiger. It is also the 'vahana, i.e., the vehicle of the goddesses Chandrakantha, Kashmunda, and Ayyapan (Vaishno Devi) and the demon Rahu. While choosing the 10 elements that this series would represent within Hinduism, I finalised that one element would be a tiger. How could I not?
SITAR
The sitar is a plucked stringed musical instrument that is mostly used in Hindustani classical Music. It symbolizes intelligence, which is a necessary aspect for harmony in this world. It is one of the sacred instruments in Hinduism, among others such as veena, surbahar, tanpura, bansuri, etc. This remarkable instrument is in the hands of the Indian Goddess Saraswati, a representation of knowledge, education, learning, wisdom, and melody. It is also reputed to make divine sounds. This element just naturally fits into this series, as in my perspective, music and the spiritual world are intertwined.