Magical Colours of the Divine

Could mythology ever go out of fashion? Doesn’t look like it, going by the increasing popularity of Indic epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and stories related to Dashavataram (the 10 avatars), and many others. Stories about Vishnu manifesting in different avatars to restore justice, the righteous conduct of Rama and the unparalleled devotion of Hanuman are as relevant today as they were some 3,000 years ago — the era and context might be different, but the basic message is eternal. 

Delhi-based artist Yograj Verma tries to capture on canvas the essence of the ageless that abounds in our shruti and smriti — written and oral. He has held several exhibitions before — all focused on characters from Hindu mythology. He attempts depict a higher realm through brushstrokes. Inspired by mythology, his paintings bring out the different forms of the omnipresent —from the energetic Ganesha and Lakshmi series to the creative power series of Vishnu. The shades of blue that he predominantly uses, interestingly exude warmth although blue is perceived as a ‘cool’ colour. 

In the latest series that includes paintings of the Sun god, the Kurma and Vamana avatars of Vishnu, two works stood out: Panchamukhi Hanuman, an unusual depiction of Hanuman with five heads and Krishna Virat Swaroop, the supreme form of Vishnu, where the whole universe is shown contained in him and originating from him. Krishna revealed his cosmic form to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war at Kurukshetra. 

Panchamukhi Hanuman: “Some-time ago, I was going through a bad patch. A friend suggested that I recite the Panchamukhi Hanuman Stotra, popularly regarded as a very powerful prayer. I recite it every day and can feel its strong vibrations. The stotras, it is said, help solve your problems. In this painting, I have attempted to bring out that vibration I feel,” says Verma. His expressive eyes and the smile on his lips do look as if Hanuman will emerge from the painting and start addressing your questions. His five faces signify vigilance and control over the five directions — north, south, east, west and the upward direction called zenith. “With all the weapons that he carries, he assures that he will be there to help us from problems that can come from any of these directions,” says Verma. Hanuman is believed to have shown this form of his only twice; once to Sita and once to Ravana. 

KRISHNA VIRAT SWAROOP IS AN ICONOGRAPHICAL, THEOPHANIC FORM OF VISHNU AND HIS AVATAR KRISHNA. THIS IS CONSIDERED THE SUPREME FORM OF VISHNU, WHERE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE IS DESCRIBED AS CONTAINED IN HIM AND ORIGINATING FROM HIM.

Krishna Virat Swaroop: “The various incarnations of Vishnu invoke a feeling of bliss. The five elements of life — earth, water, fire, air and ether — are symbolised by a square, circle, triangle, crescent and dot on Vishnu’s body. Krishna Virat Swaroop is an iconographical, theophanic form of Vishnu and his avatar, Krishna. This is considered the supreme form of Vishnu, where the entire universe is described as contained in him and originating from him,” explains Verma. 

Virat Swaroop is also interpreted as “the story of evolution;” as the individual evolves in this world. “It is a cosmic representation of gods and goddesses, sages and asuras, the good and bad as we perceive in our own perspective of existence in this world. Within our consciousness, the 10 incarnations are eternally present,”Verma adds. 

The power of blue: Though Verma’s signature style is a riot of red, yellow, blue, green and black, blue some-how seems to stand out.” When I am painting the gods, I somehow think of only blue. Just like when you sit in front of a beautifully carved statue of god, you get drawn to the idol and want to continue sitting there, the colour blue attracts me. I closely associate blue as the colour of spirit and devotion. It enhances contemplation and prayer. I can feel it working on my soul slowly and calming me from within. Every painting has its special effects, but the ones that are blue, you want to keep standing near the painting. That is the effect of blue; whereas red directly attacks you, making you move away from the colour. The colours in the painting talk to us,” says Verma. 

Paintings talk to me: “For me, paintings are like friends. You can’t-share all your problems with your parents and siblings, but you can share them with your paintings. These paintings are not mere pieces of decoration. They communicate with the soul of the viewer. I have a very deep and beautiful connection with my paintings. I try to express what I have imagined through my paint brush; as though scooping them out from deep within,” says Verma. 

Yograj & Meena Verma

7/53, South Patel Nagar,

New Delhi-110008

Mob. 9899052255 (Whatsapp No.),

9811390045

http://indiaart.asia/