The art of the South has an inimitable character. The media used in this sculpture is locally grown cedarwood, whose natural creme colour does justice to the divine glory of the subject. His dhoti and angavastram fall upon and around His chaturbhujadhari frame in superbly realistic drapes, which is a distinguishing mark of the workmanship. His bare torso and arms are adorned with a world of shringar, sculpted with crisp attention to detail and symmetry.
The distinguishing aspect of this standing Lord Vishnu sculpture is the presence of Sheshanaga, who raises its five-hooded head above His crown. It is the same naga that He usually makes a bed of, in terms of His more conventional iconography. Note how the pleasant composure of His haloed countenance seems to be offsetting the ferocity of the serpent behind Him.
The Kashmiri artisan's way with crewelwork makes for striking results. From the continuous chain stitches one could observe by zooming in on the motifs to the signature colour palette of natural pastels, ari embroidery is instantaneously recognisable and inimitable. It finds its way into most of the much-coveted produce of the region, from shawls and stoles to jackets and sarees, and is the very picture of Kashmiri aesthetics and traditional elegance. Indeed this one-of-a-kind robe is for those of us for whom glamour is a habit.
The deities have been painted with all the opulence of articulation that belongs to Mysore paintings. They are dressed in richly colored silks, their gold shringar as ample as befits those of the best of us. Purushottam Rama is on a velvet pedestal, before which prostrates the great Lord Hanuman. He is flanked by that part of His family that refused to let Him go into vanvaas (literally, 'stay in the forest', referring to His exile) on His own. A couple of cherubs, with heavenly bodies behind their backs, are showering Him with sweet-smelling white flowers. Note how realistic the backdrop is - warm tropical skies and a bed of verdure. The bottom of the painting is made up of a series of South Indian saints famous for their devotion to the Lord.
The Blue-Jewel Traditional Brocaded Sari from Bangalore is a true gem in the world of ethnic fashion. Its stunning fusion of rich blue and vibrant red creates a mesmerizing drape, ideal for festive occasions. Adorned with meticulously woven bootis, this sari showcases the epitome of craftsmanship. The glistening golden work intricately adorns the fabric, adding a touch of opulence. The temple border is a testament to tradition, featuring flawless motifs that honor heritage. When draped, this sari embodies the essence of timeless elegance, making it the perfect choice for celebrating cultural festivities and adding a touch of regal splendor to special days.
Artist Navneet Parikh has depicted with perfection the life and spiritual current flowing through this ghat in Haridwar. A pale twilight sky, characteristic of the plains as you go northwards into the mountains, sets off the masterful stone templetops with great beauty. Do not miss how consummate is each curve of the sculpted edges, how lifelike the light of the setting sun reflecting off the smooth stone surfaces. The two trees on either side in the background, their slim winding trunks ending in shocks of deftly stippled leaves, add balance to the composition.
It is the stream in the foreground that is the most challenging part of the painting. Complex brushstrokes in shades and tints of blue have gone into a highly realistic portrayal of the sacred Ganga waters. The couple in the foreground is making an offering to their ancestors, while the damsels nearer to the steps - their black tresses loosened - are busier having a good time than proverbially washing off their sins. A couple of maidens are simply taking a walk along the ghat, deeply absorbed in conversation. While a wealthier couple sits in consultation with the Brahman to the right of the viewer, a yogi is performing padmasana in the other end of the frame. Note how flawless is each and every detail of the figures - their limbs in motion, their garments in line with traditional Northern fashion, and the shringar of the ladies.
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