Vishnu’s Web (2010) oil paint on canvas, 2.5×3.5 ft
This is an interpretation of the concept of life force energy. In the middle of the painting is a delicate bubble which shows the God Vishnu, the sustainer of life. I personally feel that every human being born on this earth is caught in a web. The web that is life.
I love exploring Hindu concepts and appreciate representing them in my own way through my paintings.
The glass bubble in which the God Vishnu sits on top of an elephant symbolises for me how fragile life is, the bubble can burst at any time. The weight of the elephant, which is also considered to be Vishnu’s personal vehicle, adds an ironic symbolism to the glass bubble
The web is strung with jewel stones and eyes, the jewel stones represent the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. This Goddess is believed to have a special relationship with the God Vishnu. The golden background represents this Goddess and also refers to the power of the sun. The sun that gives energy to life!
I must say that I have learned a great deal through my explorations of philosophy on this journey, including through reading and listening to others. I do not strictly follow any particular spiritual path and find a range of appropriate solutions that guide me on my journey. Hinduism as well as Buddhism offer a wide variety of options to help me in my understanding. This understanding inspires me to explore and find new answers and solutions.
My mother, who is a tapestry weaver, really liked this painting. She made a beautiful tapestry based on it that is just the same size as the original. It is included here.