Acrylic on Canvas
3 x 4 feet
2021
Tārā is one of the most popularly represented deities in art, and one falls into the risk of making “just another Tārā painting”. Samundra Man Singh Shrestha’s pursuit in this regard is seen to be more creative. Through his portrayal of White Tārā in three different variants, one can see his range of artistic creativity.
Accurate iconography along with all its intricacies is portrayed in Shrestha’s 2017 White Tārā painting. Without diverting from traditional iconography, he has put forward his style, design, and patterns.
In one of his signature styles dubbed the “Earthquake Series”, he has depicted the current state, loss, damage, and destruction of the heritage using White Tārā herself. His latest version of the same deity showcases the profoundness of his mastery in simplicity where viewers can witness the serenity and tranquility of the presence of the divine.
When traditional norms compel many artists to stick to a certain order of iconography and designs, Shrestha’s work has been exploring the versions of what traditional art can evolve into in the future. This has provided him with a greater prospect in identification, concept, and stylization.
