On the Crossroads of Art and Spirituality
Shruti Goenka. Photo credit: Himika Khurana
Inspired by her visit to monasteries in Ladakh, to the ghats of Ganga at Varanasi, Kedarnath, temples of south India, Kanheri caves at Mumbai and more, artist Shruti Goenka created a series of artworks peppered with elements of spirituality in the series “Antarman—A Journey Within”.
A young monk holding an umbrella looks away from the frame. A benign smile on his face. The painting, aptly named, Aham Brahmasmi conveys the message of remaining in the state of eternal bliss, one that is the source of creation within us, available without much toil.
This is the image that stays with an observer as they view the new collection of artworks by Shruti Goenka. Inspired by her visit to monasteries in Ladakh, to the ghats of Ganga at Varanasi, Kedarnath, temples of south India, Kanheri caves at Mumbai and other enchanting expeditions, Goenka created a series of artworks peppered with elements of spirituality.
“These [artworks] evoke thoughts in the viewer’s mind about the creator of this life, flicker the mysteries of the universe, and resonate with their inner space,” says Goenka. “Spirituality can mean different things to different people. This means that one can interpret it in their individual way which may be by doing specific service to humanity, being one with nature, art, yoga, or meditation. While for others it can be about a connection with their religion and build a system of personal beliefs.”
For someone who started her journey as an artist started at a very young age, Goenka admits that her work is constantly evolving. “My family started taking my interest in art seriously after a small incident in school when I was in grade six. There was an inter-house rangoli-making competition in school. My mother did not allow me to participate as I was not a very bright student academically, so she was more inclined that I should focus on my studies rather than art. Without her consent I participated using natural colours; turmeric for yellow, red chilli powder for red, wheat flour for white and surf detergent for blue. I made rangoli using these four colours and won the first prize.”
And these vibrant colours have always been part of her life. Now her artworks are largely in oil on canvas, and she also dabbles in mixed media using varied muds to create texture, gold foil, gold chocolate coins, terracotta plates and more. Her artwork about the Ganga arti—a daily ritual on the ghats of the Ganga—showcases the five life-creating elements.
The artworks are heavily inspired by elements of nature and make use of various hand mudras, lotus and lotus leaves, koi fishes, water waves, ever expanding circles, made in vibrant colour schemes. “This reflects how exceptional striving leads to the beautiful outcome and how meditation does the same for the human system. Lotus grows in muck hidden away from sun. Still, it blooms into a beautiful flower, depicting that if you remain positive, no force can stop you to grow. Koi fish has an ability to swim against the stream, showcasing their fighter spirit. Similarly, if we remain focused and determined any goal can be achieved.”
Photo credit: Himika Khurana
There are other elements that uncover Goenka’s symbolism upon deeper examination. For instance, the image titled Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, which means ‘from darkness to light/knowledge’, is a reflection of the fact that knowledge can remove the darkness of ignorance. The Monk reading a book in candle light in this image represents that the one who is open to learning and gaining knowledge is never constrained by resources and the candle lit on stairs. It is incremental knowledge, gained on the path of wisdom.
This series has an underlying meditative element, which will provoke the observer into thinking beyond the obvious. Like the four artworks, aptly titled Karmanaye Vadhikarast, which show life karma as the only constant, and the usage of human hands as tools, indicating that our karma is in our hands.
“Lotus grows in muck hidden away from sun. Still, it blooms into a beautiful flower, depicting that if you remain positive, no force can stop you to grow. Koi fish has an ability to swim against the stream, showcasing their fighter spirit.”
“Karma is the accumulated impression of physical and emotional action,” says Goenka. “The human hands as a device of generating Karma or actions, can create infinite possibilities and it depends on the individual whether they treat their hands as a limb for performing routine chores only or treat it as a control panel of tremendous opportunities.”
This philosophy has taught Goenka the most important lesson in her spiritual journey, which is to accept failure in the face of rejection and then push harder to try once again. “I have learned to accept yourself exactly as you are and appreciate your uniqueness instead of seeing only flaws.”
Another image, titled Anukampa or Compassion, shows a potter converting the moist mud into beautiful usable pots/vessels on a spinning wheel. A spinning potter’s wheel is akin to the rotating earth, the moist mud reflects compassion-soaked human endurance and the human touch to give shape to existence, overcoming the divide of caste, creed, religion, skin colour, creating a world that is an inclusive place for all.
Goenka also admits that painting for her is meditative. “While painting I feel connected to my soul which is completely liberated from any sets of rules and divine power, seeking happiness beyond material possessions and other external rewards. A life situation affects us deeply when we are not able to let go and meditating regularly helps us to stay firm and passionate about what we are doing. Painting helps me to remain focused and maintain balance between my mind, body, and soul. While painting my mind goes into an absolute state of deep meditation totally unaware of my surroundings, and mind is completely focused.”
Photo credit: Himika Khurana
And like meditation clears one’s mind and increases one’s energy levels, Goenka believes that painting stimulates positive emotions, relaxation, and energy in her. “Painting improves concentration and helps me to be in the present moment. While painting the physiology undergoes a change, and every cell in my body is filled with more prana (energy). This results in joy, peace, enthusiasm as the level of prana in the body increases. Last, but not the least, painting is a mystical experience where I can feel connected to supreme divine power bringing eternal peace.”
What probably also helps is that being a self-taught artist with no formal degree in art she has learnt to paint through a constant journey of trials and errors. “My dream is to open an art school where no formal degree or any other educational qualification for admission will be required. Rather, one just needs a good artistic bent of mind to join. Art will be taught in an unconventional manner, and I also hope to give these upcoming artists a platform to showcase their work.”
Perhaps, therein lies how art can transcend the boundary of a frame to become something that is more inspirational and has a practical takeaway too. Art imitates life, and this series is probably the best ode to that adage.
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Bindu Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bengaluru. She is passionate about all things to do with the environment. You can follow her on Instagram @bindugopalrao.
