Finding your inner Buddha

HYDERABAD: Traits that embody various schools and thoughts of wisdom augment well with the creative process of an artist. Celebrating this and Buddh Purnima, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, titled ‘Buddha - the awakening’ has opened in the city. Showcasing the various stories and  concepts related to ‘the awakened one’ or ‘the enlightened one’, the collection is meticulous projection of Buddha by 24 artists.The poems, stories, sculptures and symbols associated with the state of ‘Nirvana’ form the major content of these paintings and sculptures.The first in the series of paintings are a group of five paintings by Giridhar Goud which interestingly narrates the stories of Jataka Tales enlarging the benevolent image of Buddha. The central attraction of the gallery is a sculpture by Jaya Prakash that has Buddha surrounded by six lamps which is almost symbolic of his mysticism.The abstract depiction of Chaityas and Vihars by Srinivas Reddy instills a quiet stillness into these caves and monasteries. However the most interesting piece in the gallery is Glower Paul’s sculpture of a gigantic head of ‘the enlightened one’ with scriptures, leading the viewer to just another chronicle of thoughts.Another interesting art work is by Leater Paul who has interestingly fixed prayer bells in the canvas inviting the viewers to rotate them in prayer. Other interesting art pieces calling for attention are Gangadhar’s lovely pink water colour lotus with symbolic mudras and Dinesh’s subtle imagery of poetics.  The artists have experimented with many different forms like terracotta, wood cuttings and gold foils which have together brought out an awakening gigantic image of one of the most inspirational and godly figures of the world. The show brings a deeper sense of realisation, peace and calmness in its viewers by effectively portraying the magical aura and super natural element attached to the divine figure of Budhha.The exhibition which was inaugurated on May 6, will go on till May 26 at the Icon Art Gallery, Banjara Hills.