CULTURE & THEME: The non-western culture I chose to display in this Google Art Gallery is Hinduism, and the overall theme of my exhibition revolves around the Indians’ various Gods & Goddesses depicted in their art. There are various systems in Hinduism. One of them follows the concept of Bhakti (blissful devotion) and becoming one with God which is achieved through Puja (the active devotional practice). The main form of Hinduism is monotheistic and follows the cast system (very superstitious and men have higher hierarchy) where there is one main source, Brahman (the Supreme). Brahman branches off into Trimurti (the united trinity) which consists of three roles: Brahma, who is creator through AUM song; Vishnu, who is Preserver through avatars; and Shiva, who is Destroyer through dance. Samsara is the life cycle that Trimurti creates: death to birth to rebirth and back around. Moksha is when you are free from Samsara. As for my theme, I was very fascinated with the consistent use of blue portrayed in the skin of the Gods & Goddesses - those who are transcendent, enlightened, tranquil, and high-vibrating. The blue is a symbol of total purity. Not all Divine Spirits in the Hindu culture are presented with that color for some reason…and it appears to only be a male dominating color. RELATION OF ARTWORKS TO THEME: The artworks are self-explanatory with their titles. In this exhibit, you will see the following: #1. "Companion Persuading Radha as Krishna Flutes, Folio from the Lambagraon Gita Govinda, Song of the Cowherd" (basically a painting capturing that particular night), #2. "Vessel” (a blue vase with godly engravings), #3. “The Festival of Gangaur” (a painting that depicts a big special occasion), #4. “Yashoda swinging Baby Krishna” (an ivory carving of his play), #5. “The Hindu Goddess Bhudevi” (a figurine depicting this earth idol), and #6. “Mahalakshmi” (a fiery painting of the wealth goddess). The first piece (as well as the third) has a blue idol within it along with a very blue night sky, while the second piece is an entirely blue vase. I can almost imagine one having a completely blue room as their shala (home/abode in Sanskrit) and shrine (holy sacred place), with this vase in a corner next to a cow statue (blessed divine creature). The fourth piece (http://collections.lacma.org/node/248225) of the ivory swing set gracefully represents Krishna with hard-labored skill and patience (as well as spiritual energy & meditation) clearly put into the creation process. The fifth piece (Bhudevi) may be copper alloy, but because after time it transitions into an aqua greenish blue hue, it still gives off a very pure vibration (http://collections.lacma.org/node/236865). The last piece shows the difference in hierarchy for my theme, and also expresses much symbolism which is incredibly prominent in India with the consistent use of mudras and ritual items. Their art has many figurative language elements. ART REFLECTIONS ON AESTHETIC & CULTURE VALUES: Hindu aesthetics all have in common Visual Abundance (a feast for the eyes), Symbolism (everything has a meaning), and Prana (sacred breath). Their composition is usually always meticulously detailed with a plethora of ornamentation and vibrant colors from their clothing to their environment! The space in this culture's style varies in different periods of life - earlier ones typically have a flatter appearance like watching a puppet play and is intently illustrative. The latter ones (today's) have much more realistic three-dimensional depth, refined technique, layered renderings, smooth textures, & improved form. But in the beginning, it was not about the form or mastery of realism, but about the message. That is the point of Hindu Art; it all started with the religion, culture, country, traditions, superstitions, beliefs, morals, tales, myths, legends, etc… They create painting scenes, portraits, idol figurines, registers, and carvings to depict an order of events important to them spiritually or to represent the gods & goddesses in their stories they live by. CONCLUSION (RELEVANCE OF THEME TO CULTURE): My theme relates to the culture because they are one and the same…you cannot have one without the other. In Buddhism, my own practice, there is no identity. But in Hinduism, all of their gods have a specific face and design, yet are spiritual beings. They have personalities like humans. Similar to Greek Mythology where their immortals have their own idiosyncrasies, faults, and imperfections. And I feel that these artworks strongly depict that. To end with a saying to you, “The Divine in Me sees and honors the same brilliant Divine Light in you…” Namaste… CITATIONS: 1. (http://yoganonymous.com/get-to-know-radha-krishna-a-love-story) 2. (http://www.whitewavedreams.com/vasemeaning.html) 3. (http://www.festivalsofindia.in/gangaur/History.aspx) 4. (http://www.premiumproseindia.com/wp-content/uploads/files/Mother-Yashoda-Tries-to-Bind-Mischievous-Lord-Krishna.pdf) 5. (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bhudevi) 6. (http://qz.com/545655/the-ancient-story-of-goddess-lakshmi-bestower-of-power-wealth-and-sovereignty/)
