The Void’s Illumination
Medium : Acrylic on Canvas
Size :
The Vedic God Shiva has
traditionally been depicted as a destroyer and the bringer of destruction. Shiva
is the Lord of elemental beings and souls. In this painting I have illustrated
him in one of his abodes, the Netherworld, where he is found to be meditating
in a deep trance-like state wherein he is one with Death itself.
It is believed that one
can find peace in death. Death is not something to be afraid of. This can be
seen in the painting where God is seen to be in between a state of Life and
Death, Order and Decadence, Creation and Destruction.
Shiva is the God that
humans can relate to and 'approach' most easily yet is so celestial and
unpredictable, just as Death is. He is seen wearing a snake around His neck as
a cosmetic accessory. The snake is the embodiment of carnal lust and wrath and
Shiva wearing it around His neck symbolizes His complete control.
In this adaptation,
Shiva is shown to have a blue, glowing skin tone similar to the one
traditionally attributed to the Lord Vishnu, upon whom He is constantly
meditating, and resonating with. The realms under Shiva’s control, from where souls descend to join him in his
never-ending dream are portrayed in the form of four orbs around the Lord.
Only the third eye,
found on Shiva’s forehead, is seen to be open. This is a metaphor for the
impending beginning or end, for in His unpredictability lies His beauty.