Tattva-Darśi
Program: Procreate
Statement: This artwork is a depiction of my philosophical truth. It is a declaration, a revelation seen through the eyes of those who liberate one’s self of their own inner ignorance; one who dares to look beyond form to perceive “tattva” (truth). At the center of the image stands a divine figure with many faces and many arms, which hold symbolic items. The divine faces merge the characteristics of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali, and more. This captures the essences of the cosmic function, creation, preservation, destruction, transcendence, time, and compassion. The many arms hold sacred symbols, the trishul of Shiva, the mace of Vishnu, the lotus of Laskshmi, and the incorporation of an atom representing modern science; connecting Vedic knowledge to modern science. The most profound elements of Tattva Darśi is the inclusion of the face of Jesus Christ beside Vishnu at the core of the image. It is not accidental or ornamental, but a statement. Vishnu is the sustainer of dharma, while the Christ is the very embodiment of sacrificial love. Together in this work they are not to be seen as rivals, rather to enlighten the message that the divine works through many masks in order to deliver the same light. Tattva (truth) is seen as the ability to see the same divine essence in Christ and Krishna, a philosophy beyond religion. To the left side of this artwork, we see the fierce elements of the divine with the forms Kali Maa and Narasimha; connecting Vaishnavism and Shaktism. To the right side of the central figure we see the face of Shiva, Ganesha, and Hanuman, this captures the essence of Shaivism; connecting different sects of Sanatana Dharma that often be in debate with one another. This also connects the various aspects of the divine as Tattva (truth).
Moving towards the bottom of the artwork we see three images. To the left we see Adi Shankaracharya, a Vedic Scholar, philosopher, and teacher of Advaita Vedanta, a concept of non – dualism and the unity of the individual Atman (soul) with the ultimate Brahman (divinity). We see a Shiva Lingam at the center base, a grounding reminder of the Absolute beyond form. To the right we see Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his arms are lifted in ecstatic surrender onto Govinda, embodying the path of bhakti (devotional love). Seen together, it allows the witness to reflect on how different traditions, when the ego is purified, it leads to the same Tattva (truth).
The artwork is rendered with a soft pastel palette. It creates a celestial, dreamlike aura. The setting is set in space with planets and stars surrounding the divine central figure, which is drawn in a traditional loosely sketched style.
Tattva – Darśi is not just an image, but a work of worship. It’s an image that one is invited to bow and surrender themselves to. An image of insight and devotion onto the ultimate truth, intended to drive the viewer into self reflection.
Date Completed: 2025
