Dancing Shiva

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

Dimensions: Framed size: 47 x 45 cm. Unframed size: 34 x 31 cm.

Date: March 2008

Comments:
From imagination.

Inspired by the Indian tradition of Shiva as the Lord of the Dance ("Nata-Raja"). 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.

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