India’s culture resonates in my heart and this range of artwork was inspired by my desire to depict not only Indian culture but from other older civilizations too. It brought a realization of how we might originate from different lands but there are so many similarities and common beliefs that thread us together into what we today called Humanity.
SHIV-SHAKTI (Watercolour, pen-pencil on paper. Size 22×30 inches) (AVAILABLE – Email to inquire)
The Shri Yantra is one of the oldest known mystical diagram originating from ancient India, representing the beauty of the 3 worlds – Bhu (earth), Bhuva (atmosphere) and Swa (heaven).
The upwards pointing triangles represent Shiva, the masculine or Yang force and the downward pointing triangles represent Shakti, the feminine or Yin force, thus symbolizing the union of the two divine energies. The web of triangles is symbolic of the entire cosmos or the womb of creation. Together they represent Advaita or non-duality
GODAI (Watercolour, pen-pencil on paper. Size 30×22 inches) (AVAILABLE – Email to inquire)
Godai, in Japanese literally means the “5 great”. These 5 being Kaze (wind), Sui (water), Chi (Earth), Ka (Fire) and Sora (Sky)
Life is represented in this magic circle as a constant loop of birth, survival and death. The endlessness of the circle denotes eternity. I added the swirling ocean below and the sky littered with cherry blossoms above that cast an eternal magical spell.
The fictional Clow Reed’s magic circle consists of a Star, the Sun and the Moon symbolizing the Light and Darkness and along with the ocean and the sky beautifully depict Godai and cast a magical spell.
AREVAKHACH (Watercolour, pen-pencil on paper. Size 30×22 inches) (AVAILABLE – Email to inquire)
The SWASTIKA is a Sanskrit word meaning “it is”, good luck”, “well being” and is known by different names in different cultures. I grew up seeing a golden Swastika hung outside our main door.
The interesting pattern of the Armenian Swastika called Arevakhach caught my eye. It is the ancient symbol of eternal light or God. It represents time, recurrence, universe and the concept of everlasting, celestial life.
The wheel of eternity in the center of the Arevakhach stemmed from the worship of the sky and the sun while wheat is an expression of Armenian’s hard working nature, the lion symbolizes power, courage, patience, wisdom and nobility.
DENDERA (Watercolour, pen-pencil on paper. Size 36X36 inches) (AVAILABLE – Email to inquire)
The Egyptian DENDERA zodiac caught my eye for its masterful details and scientific precision. It is densely encoded with myth and historical allusion. It preserves the wisdom of forgotten ancestors who saw into the secrets of time.
Its design reveals the mythic pattern of humanity’s experience over 26 millennia.
The Nymphaea lotuses cover the Dendera. These are a symbol of fertility, creation and the cycle of birth and rebirth while the cats are very integral to Egyptians for their grace and poise.
Anuradha Kabra 