Mandala pop
Kala Sangam Art Academy
november 2021
An explosion of colour, texture, and pattern, this solo exhibition showcased my love for mandalas. Drawing from India, Persia, and Mexico, the vibrant mixed-media artworks were adorned with shells, mosaic tiles, beads, mirrors and jewellery. A multi-dimensional experience, the exhibition also featured a commissioned mural titled “I Am,” an interactive centrepiece inspired by Egyptian wing motifs and a crop circle. The opening event was a sensory delight, featuring classical Indian dance, spoken word poetry, and live flute music.
‘I Am’ Mural
The Inspiration behind the mural is primarily taken from a crop circle which appeared last year in England. Then wings and mandala designs were added. The mirror is placed on the figurehead, to look into, to be inspired to self-reflect and discover.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Who Am I?’
Who do you think you are? Do you define yourself by your name, your profession. your ethnicity, your gender, your religion, or some other abstract label?
Clearly, we’re all much more than that because the act of labelling automatically negates all the possibilities of us being anything else.
Our identities are so complex and integrated in so many ways to cultural, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual values, it’s almost impossible to define ourselves properly.
And therein lies the conundrum because the phrase “Who Am I?” is somewhat of an oxymoron. The famous Indian sage, Ramana Maharshi once said:
“The question, ‘who am I?’ is not really meant to get an answer, it is meant to dissolve the questioner.”
And so, it’s not about defining what you are but dis-identifying with everything you think you are, until you discover your real identity – your TRUE Self.
This has always been a fundamental tenet of many spiritual and philosophical texts because once we discover who we truly are, our lives become limitless.
After all, “I Am…..” can be anything you wish it to be….
because you are the author and editor of everything you choose to believe.
Re-imagine yourself. Look in the mirror of the mural and think of who you really are and say “I am… Please share your thoughts in the ‘I am’ book at the reception desk. I’ve added some of my thoughts at the back of the book.
You are welcome to take photos with the mural and selfies – enjoy.
‘I Am’ Mural
The Inspiration behind the mural is primarily taken from a crop circle which appeared last year in England. Then wings and mandala designs were added. The mirror is placed on the figurehead, to look into, to be inspired to self-reflect and discover.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Who Am I?’
Who do you think you are? Do you define yourself by your name, your profession. your ethnicity, your gender, your religion, or some other abstract label?
Clearly, we’re all much more than that because the act of labelling automatically negates all the possibilities of us being anything else.
Our identities are so complex and integrated in so many ways to cultural, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual values, it’s almost impossible to define ourselves properly.
And therein lies the conundrum because the phrase “Who Am I?” is somewhat of an oxymoron. The famous Indian sage, Ramana Maharshi once said:
“The question, ‘who am I?’ is not really meant to get an answer, it is meant to dissolve the questioner.”
And so, it’s not about defining what you are but dis-identifying with everything you think you are, until you discover your real identity – your TRUE Self.
This has always been a fundamental tenet of many spiritual and philosophical texts because once we discover who we truly are, our lives become limitless.
After all, “I Am…..” can be anything you wish it to be….
because you are the author and editor of everything you choose to believe.
Round and round the mandala goes From the depth of my mind, my heart, my soul Bringing out the peace, the joy, the light, As the love for myself and the universe grows
Round and round the mandala goes All I know that I feel so close To myself, thyself and the ultimate source
Round and round the mandala goes In and out, the energy flows Ideas shooting like arrows from bows To my canvas like friends not foes
Round and round the mandala goes It’s like medicine, magic and my daily dose Feeling, healing and of letting go’s
Round and round the mandala goes There’s no rules, restrictions or any artlaws Do as you feel, as the feeling goes
Round and round the mandala goes Feeling the hurt, the pain, the woes Seeing the beauty in everything Even the thorns on the rose
Round and round the mandala goes Its about balance, yin and yang Equilibrium and patterns in rows
Round and round the mandala goes Happy, satisfied, kisses she blows Delighted to take a picture and strike a pose Round and round the mandala goes
Round and round the mandala goes From the depth of my mind, my heart, my soul Bringing out the peace, the joy, the light, As the love for myself and the universe grows
Round and round the mandala goes All I know that I feel so close To myself, thyself and the ultimate source
Round and round the mandala goes In and out, the energy flows Ideas shooting like arrows from bows To my canvas like friends not foes
Round and round the mandala goes It’s like medicine, magic and my daily dose Feeling, healing and of letting go’s
Round and round the mandala goes There’s no rules, restrictions or any artlaws Do as you feel, as the feeling goes
Round and round the mandala goes Feeling the hurt, the pain, the woes Seeing the beauty in everything Even the thorns on the rose
Round and round the mandala goes Its about balance, yin and yang Equilibrium and patterns in rows
Round and round the mandala goes Happy, satisfied, kisses she blows Delighted to take a picture and strike a pose Round and round the mandala goes