Handpainted – “Avatars of Shiva”: Four Forms on a Field of Red

Provenance

'Avatars of Shiva' is a handpainted work that sets four forms of Shiva across a grid of red, vermilion and burnt-orange squares, each figure standing on its own tile like a piece on a board. The composition gives every form room to stand alone, so the eye moves from one to the next and reads the god's many aspects as a single, ordered sequence.

At the upper left, Shiva as Nataraja dances within a ring of flames, one leg raised and his hair flying outward. At the upper right, he sits cross-legged in meditation beneath a small tree, a trident at his side. At the lower left stands Ardhanarishvara, half Shiva in blue holding a trident and half Parvati in a red sari, and at the lower right Bhairava stands with a trident and wild hair, a black dog at his feet. Each figure casts a long shadow across the tiles, as if lit by a low sun.

Crimson, vermilion and burnt orange fill the squares, separated by fine cream lines, while the blue of Shiva's skin and the gold of Nataraja's ring stand out against them. Each square is built up in brushed, layered colour by hand. It suits a puja room, a study or a living room with warm colours.

Disclaimer:

• The frames shown are for display purposes only and are not included with the artwork.
• As these are made-to-order designer pieces, expect minor colour variations from the displayed artwork.