The Cosmic Dance

Medium: Silhouette paper-cut. Cut by hand using a scalpel.

Dimensions: Approximately A3. 420 x 297 mm

Date: Autumn 2008

Comments:
From imagination.

Inspired by the Indian deity Shiva in his role as Lord of the Dance ("Nata-Raja").

As the Cosmic Dancer, 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; another is raised to placate fear; a third is linked with the fire that destroys and creates the universe; and the fourth hand points towards the raised foot in a gesture that refers to salvation. 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.

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Price: £SOLD. In a private collection in Ipswich, UK.