Learning something new... This is one of the traditional Indian Folk Art style called Kerala Mural Painting and the figure is a form of Shiva called "Ardhanarishvar".
This figure symbolizes the union of male and female deities, representing the complementary nature of the universe. Shiva, the male part, is often shown on the right, while Parvati, the female part, is shown on the left.
The concept of Ardhanarishvara extends beyond gender. It encompasses all dualities—light and dark, fire and water, yin and yang. It illustrates that the cosmos is governed by the integration of these opposites, leading to wholeness and spiritual evolution.
Kerala Mural Painting:
This traditional art form, practiced in the state of Kerala, India, involves applying paintings directly onto walls, ceilings, or other permanent surfaces.
Kerala murals are known for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and stylized representation of figures and scenes.
Typical colors used are red, yellow, green, black, and white.
In this painting Shiva(Male side) is painted using Coffee (yes the Instant coffee). Coffee is mixed with water and painted using regular brush. The amount of water is adjusted to mix with coffee to get dark and lighter shades of coffee color. This was first time I have tried painting using coffee and found it quite interesting! To paint Parvati (Female side), regular watercolor was used.
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| 10x12 inches, Watercolor, 140lbsArchesColdpress paper |
