The Void's Illumination

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.