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Artwork By Arabinda Samanta

Updated: Feb 7






Name Of The Artwork: Echoes of the resilient warriors in red Caption Of Artwork: Form of Painting : Acrylic Painting Theme : "Native American Culture" Duration for execution: 13/06/2023 - 20/09/2023 Size : ( "41" x "50" ) cm Description : This painting serves as an evocative gateway to a profound spiritual journey through the rich tapestry of Native American culture and history. The artwork draws its inspiration from the intricate tapestry of spirituality interwoven within Native American culture. It endeavors to shine a spotlight on the profound notion of "Heroism behind Feminism," celebrating the resilience of Native women who, in the face of discrimination and injustice that shadowed their lives, steadfastly refused to yield. They emerged as exemplars of grace and beauty, all the while embodying the spirit of true warriors, achieving triumph against all odds. This captivating portrayal seeks to honor their enduring strength and elegance in the face of adversity, a testament to their indomitable spirit. Within the canvas, the intricate details of Native American clothing and adornments come to life, illuminating the remarkable resourcefulness that defined these indigenous communities. It's a tribute to their mastery of nature's bounty, showcasing how they ingeniously harnessed plant materials, tree bark, the finest animal hairs, anuks, and skillfully crafted moccasins to fashion not just attire, but statements of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. In these meticulously crafted garments and accessories, one can witness a profound connection to the environment and an enduring testament to the ingenuity of Native American traditions. "Maya", the Native American woman depicted in the canvas, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural richness. This remarkable Native American woman embodies a captivating blend of grace and strength, a true embodiment of her cultural heritage and an inspiration to all who cross her path. Her deep ambition shines brilliantly in her eyes, a fire that fuels her unwavering determination to face the world's challenges head-on. She walks with the elegance of her culture, every step a dance of tradition and a reminder of her rich ancestry. Her attire is adorned with symbols of her people's history, and she carries the weight of their heroic tales on her shoulders as a symbol of pride and responsibility. This resilient warrior knows no fear, boldly confronting any obstacle in her path. Her swift and sleek movements reveal her agility and quick thinking, while her steadfast and rigid resolve demonstrates her unyielding commitment to her goals. Intelligence and wisdom flow through her veins, guiding her decisions and strategies. Yet, she wears her intelligence with humility, always willing to learn and adapt. Her bravery and grace complement her intelligence, creating a harmonious balance that sets her apart. Above all, her caring nature shines through, as she extends compassion and support to those in her community. She understands that triumph is not just for herself but for the joy and well-being of her people. She is a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a living testament to the enduring spirit of Native American culture. The artwork unveils the intriguing concept of the "evil eye" symbol, a fascinating facet of Native American spirituality. Contrary to its name, this symbol isn't malevolent but, in fact, serves as a protective charm, guarding the wearer against the perils of bad luck or harm inflicted by envious or malevolent gazes. It's a captivating glimpse into the intricate web of Native American spiritual beliefs and practices, where symbolism and protection are artfully intertwined. In striking contrast, the tradition of the "Red face" takes center stage, a symbolic hue deeply rooted in Powhatan tribal traditions. Here, red symbolizes the earth element and the imposing presence of mountains, finding expression not only in symbolism but also in the intricate world of body and face paint, as well as adorning jewelry and attire. Through the vibrant strokes of red, the artwork invites us to explore the profound connection these indigenous communities held with the land and their rich cultural heritage. Beyond its other remarkable elements, the artwork exalts the "Plain Style Breastplate," an adornment of profound significance within Native American culture. Crafted from long, hollow animal bone beads, often referred to as "Hairpipes," this breastplate may not provide substantial physical protection against bullets or arrows, but its value extends far beyond the tangible. The "Plain Style Breastplate" carries with it a rich tapestry of cultural and medicinal importance, persisting as a cherished emblem worn proudly during Native American dances and ceremonies. It stands as a tangible link to ancestral traditions, connecting the past to the present, and reminding us of the enduring vitality of indigenous cultures. This intricate artifact is a testament to the resilience and continuity of Native American heritage, its significance woven deeply into the fabric of their spiritual and communal practices. This acrylic painting further delves deeper into the iconic "War bonnets",famously worn by the esteemed leaders of Plains Indian Nations. These remarkable feathered headpieces stand as powerful symbols of respect, bravery, and honor. Exclusively donned by individuals of great stature within their communities, including chiefs, warriors, and esteemed members, they serve as profound expressions of cultural significance and recognition of remarkable achievements within these tight-knit societies. In addition to its other captivating features,It endeavors to throw the spotlight on the artistry of "Native American tattoos." These intricate designs carry profound meanings, serving as powerful symbols that communicate notions of protection, guardian spirits, and the gift of healing. Their significance extends beyond mere decoration, for these tattoos also function as visual narratives, weaving tales of individual and collective identity within tribal cultures. Through the careful application of ink, Native American tattoos tell stories of personal accomplishments, heralding the wearer's status and achievements within their community. These markings become more than just body art; they become living testaments to the rich history and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. In essence, Native American tattoos embody a language of their own, a visual lexicon that speaks volumes about the depth and complexity of tribal cultures and their timeless connection to the past. The canvas envelops us in a mesmerizing tapestry of greens and blues, a rich palette that transcends mere aesthetics, carrying profound spiritual significance. The verdant shades of green embody the Native American connection to Earth and Nature, embodying growth, renewal, and a deep-rooted tie to the land. Within this hue, we glimpse the healing and medicinal properties revered by the community, fostering harmony and balance while nurturing a sense of communal well-being. Complementing this verdant embrace, the serene blues wash over the canvas, symbolizing purity and cleansing. In their tranquil depths, we find an ode to the vital water bodies – rivers and oceans – that sustain life. Beyond their earthly role, these blues establish a spiritual bridge, linking the skies to the heavens. In this ethereal connection, we glimpse divinity and the promise of an afterlife, a testament to the profound symbolism woven into this remarkable artwork. "I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth." -Theodore Roosevelt •• Materials Used : Camel Acrylic colour Flat painting brush (number) :- 6 Round painting brush (number) :- 2/0 , 1 Rigger painting brush (number) :- 5/0 , 1 Filbert painting brush (number) :- 4 , 9 Angular painting brush (number) :- 2 , 5 , 12 Canvas •••

Name Of The Artwork: "Chandrachura" Caption Of Artwork: From of painting : Acrylic Painting Theme : "Sanatan Dharma" Size : 39.8 cm, 30 cm Description : In the profound tapestry of Hinduism, the color black emerges as a multifaceted emblem laden with symbolic significance. Traditionally associated with negative energy, darkness, gloom, and death, black stands as a formidable force in warding off the malevolent influence of the evil eye. Despite its link to superstitions and perceived bad luck, black, in reality, imparts a sense of stability to the abode it graces. Against the backdrop of a painting featuring a sadhu, the presence of black emerges as a tapestry interwoven with spiritual depth, symbolizing the journey from darkness to enlightenment, from the inexpressible to the realization of the Supreme Self. The intricate nuances of color in Hindu symbolism enrich the canvas, inviting contemplation on the profound interplay of spirituality and tradition. Interestingly, black transcends expressiveness, mirroring the inexpressible nature of the Atman or consciousness in its unmanifest state. Analogous to the pre-dawn darkness gradually giving way to the brilliance of sunrise, black symbolizes the realization of the Supreme. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra exemplify these fundamental colors—black representing the Supreme Self, white symbolizing the Self, and orange embodying the world. In the intricate canvas of modern-day Hinduism, the practice of Jaṭā, or dreadlocks, unfolds as a sacred embodiment, notably embraced by Sadhus devoted to Lord Shiva. A profound connection to deity imitation is traced back to the Kapalikas, wore Jata in homage to the formidable Bhairava Siva, with Shiva himself often depicted adorned in dreadlocks. Shaivite Sadhus, exemplified in the depicted figure, meticulously cultivate long matted hair in emulation of Lord Shiva of the Himalayas. A ritual application of ashes to both hair and body becomes a tangible testament to their commitment, an act of spiritual consecration. The epithet 'Jatadhara,' meaning 'he who has a heap of matted hair on the head,' underscores the reverence for Shiva's distinctive coiffure, described as resembling the vast expanse of the sky. The length of the Jata becomes a symbolic manifestation of devotion, with longer locks representing extended periods of unwavering commitment. Denoting twisted locks of hair. In artistic depictions of Shiva, his flowing or tied locks symbolize an integral aspect of his divine presence, with the sacred river Ganges believed to emanate from these matted strands. Thus, in the envisioned painting, the Sadhu with Jata emerges as a living tapestry, intricately woven with layers of spirituality, tradition, and a profound connection to the divine—a visual narrative of dedication and transcendence expressed through the intricate strands of matted locks. In the rich tapestry of Hindu Spirituality, the symbolism of the crescent moon adorning the Jata (matted locks) of a Sadhu transcends mere aesthetic embellishment, weaving a profound narrative that intertwines celestial events, spiritual devotion, and the eternal dance of time. This symbolic representation finds its roots in a timeless tale, a synthesis of cosmic consequences and spiritual awakening. The crescent moon on the Jata serves as a reminder of the deeper spiritual significance woven into Hindu Spirituality. It is an embodiment of the scientific quest of our ancestors, concealing profound knowledge within personified folk tales. Shrouded in allegory, the tale encourages seekers to delve beyond the literal narrative, unveiling hidden meanings that connect the cosmic, the spiritual, and the existential. In the depicted painting, the Sadhu's Jata adorned with the crescent moon becomes a living canvas, narrating the timeless tale of celestial redemption and the cyclical dance of time. The symbolism encapsulates the transition from Nirguna-Brahman, the formless and timeless divine, to Saguna, the personification of creative, sustaining, and destructive forces embodied by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The crescent moon, an emblem of perfection and transformation, symbolizes the cyclical nature of time, the eternal dance of creation, maintenance, and destruction. As the Sadhu meditates with this celestial insignia on his Jata, the painting becomes a visual hymn, inviting contemplation on the profound interplay of cosmic forces and the timeless wisdom enshrined in the symbolism of the crescent moon—a beacon of spiritual illumination in the vast expanse of Hindu Spirituality. In the intricate tapestry of Hindu symbolism, the Shaivite Tilak, an adorned mark on the forehead, transcends the realm of mere aesthetics, delving into profound metaphysical dimensions. Rooted in the sacred tradition of Shaivism, the Tripundra or Rudra-tilaka stands as a prominent variant of this tilaka, prominently worn by devotees of Lord Shiva. The Tripundra manifests as three horizontal bands across the forehead, supplemented by a singular vertical band or circle in the middle, traditionally fashioned from sacred ash derived from sacrificial fires, known as vibhuti. As articulated in the Shiva Purana, this tilaka holds an inclusive nature, open to individuals of all varnas and Asramas, emphasizing the universality of its spiritual significance. •• Materials Used : Camel Acrylic colour Flat Painting brush (number) :- 4 Round Painting brush (number) :- 2/0 , 1 Angular Painting brush (number) :- 2 , 5 Canvas ••

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