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Genesis of Self
Year: 2025
Medium: Ceramic Raku, Ceramic Stains and Applied Gold
Exhibited at Indian Art Fair, 6th – 9th February 2025 as a part of Genesis of Divine – Preservation, Conservation & Creation and presented by Chaudhari Group Foundation’s initiative, Unnati Cultural Village
Genesis of Self
In the nexus of life and art, there exists a profound intersection where culture, tradition, and self-realization converge. ‘Genesis of Self-Discovery’ embodies this sacred confluence, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Newa culture and the deeply symbolic ‘Mah Pooja.’
Central to this artistic journey is the element of clay, a primordial substance that echoes the essence of the earth. As a medium, clay not only represents one of the five elemental forces but also symbolizes malleability and transformation. In my work, the clay forms the canvas upon which narratives of self-discovery are etched.
The ceramic pieces are adorned with intricate sketches in gold and gray, colors chosen for their profound symbolic resonance. Gold, often associated with divinity, intertwines with gray, the color of contemplation and the void.
Among the pieces, mandalas adorned with lotus petals emerge, embodying purity and spiritual awakening. These mandalas, like those in Mah Pooja, are transient—ephemeral representations of a continuous process of creation and dissolution. In another form, I depict myself as clouds, representing the boundless sky and the shunyata, or emptiness, within.
A particularly significant aspect of this collection is the sculpting the shape of traditional plates used for nourishing food. These plates are not merely objects but metaphors for sustenance and the nurturing of the soul. They serve as reminders of the physical and spiritual nourishment that sustains us, connecting the viewer to a deeper understanding of cultural and personal heritage.
The meaning of Mha Puja and Importance
During Mha Puja, the whole family comes together for the ritual and celebration. Mha in newari language means body or self. Considering self as a god and worshipping self is the philosophical aspect of this ritual. Believing the existence of the universe, power and all gods within self; this ritual teaches to understand self and emphasizes on self for better. The ritual has also been believed to be developed for protection of self.
The mandala is prepared using limestone powder, or rice flour if earlier is not available. Why powder? Because the mandala is supposed to be wiped off after the rituals end, as mandala is only the reflection of self, made for you to preview yourself. Like mandala being the image of self, we are reflection of the combination of our physical form and the emotions that we have inside us.
