The Cosmic Dance
| Title: |
The
Cosmic Dance |
| Medium: |
Silhouette
paper-cut in white paper. Cut by hand
using a scalpel. |
| Dimensions: |
Unframed
size: Approx A3. |
| Date: |
Autumn
2008 |
| Comments: |
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.
Original silhouette paper-cut sold. In a
private collection in Ipswich, England.
Prints also available. Please contact me for further
details. |
Back to Silhouettes Gallery
|
