Dancing Shiva
| Title: |
Dancing
Shiva |
| Medium: |
Paper
cut-out in black paper. Cut by hand using
a scalpel. |
| Dimensions: |
Framed
size: 47 x 45 cm. Unframed size: 34 x 31
cm. |
| Date: |
March
2008 |
| Comments: |
Inspired by the
Indian tradition of Shiva as the Lord of
the Dance ("Nata-Raja"), and
also especially by Joshua Prem's album
"Shiva Moon". As the Cosmic
Dancer, the Lord Shiva sets in motion the
swirling harmonies of the universe.
The traditional iconography on which this
silhouette is loosely based incorporates
numerous features with symbolic meaning.
Hence, Shiva is portrayed with four arms:
one hand beats out the cosmic rhythm on a
drum; another is raised to placate fear;
a third is cupped around a flame to
represent the fire that destroys and
creates the universe; and the fourth hand
points towards the raised foot in a
gesture that refers to salvation.
Shiva is much associated with the emblem
of the Moon, which he wears in his hair.
The long snaky locks represent the sacred
River Ganges flowing down from the slopes
of the Himalayas. As a deity, Shiva
combines many masculine and feminine
qualities, symbolising the harmony of
completeness.
Original
silhouette sold. In a private collection
in Ipswich, England. Prints available.
Please contact me for further
details. |
Initial sketch (in reverse) prior to cutting:
See my earlier rendition of the same theme:
Other work on a related theme:
Back to Silhouettes Gallery
|
