Manifestations of Lord Ganesh

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity, is widely worshipped in the Hindu pantheon for his ability to remove obstacles which falls across ones path. He is also regarded as the deva for intellect and wisdom.

With 35 years of experience in painting Sri Lankan born artist Mahen Chanmugam had been fascinated in the many manifestations and pervading brilliance of Ganesh. His interest was such that the artist had devoted his last 15 years to painting the images of Lord Ganesh in a variety of colours and facial expressions.

Each painting also differs in posture, the number of hands, weapons and hand gestures. You get common postures like a seated or standing Ganesh as well as the deity in several rare forms.

Born into a Hindu family who had later been converted into Christians, one would wonder it Mahen is actually paying tribute to his roots. However the hastens to state that the concepts linked with Lord Ganesh is universal. It can be affiliated to any religion.

“I am more compelled to create something rather than represent it,” says the artist while recalling the dark earthy pigments which he had witnessed as a child while visiting the temples with his family.

These paintings are attempts to explore the symbolism and mystery envelopping the god. Moving back and forth between the past and future, the paintings try to embody both the modern and traditional art techniques.

Colours found in the Hindu religion form the bright pinks to vibrant blues and greens are used for the art along ideas deriving from Hindu myths and philosophy. Lotus heart, petals, saffron skies and chakras are omnipresent in Mahen’s paintings. This reflects the regeneration of the soul.

Another interesting fact in his work is that some of the Ganesh images seem to take on a female form.

“That is the Vinayaki, the manifestation of the god as a female figure. I came across this concept in 2007 in a terracotta plaque from Rairh, Rajhasthan.

This dates back to the first century and already evidence of the female version of the god is found in 64 Yogini temples,” said Mahen who had always stuck by the idea of becoming an artist from childhood.

Mahen had experimented with all types of media from oil paints to airbrush illustrations and acrylics. Working on canvas, wood, sackcloth, stone and concrete he had developped his talent for art for many years before presenting his works to the public. He studied painting under Prof. Stanley Abeysinghe before taking up commercial art.

Working as an art director and illustrator in the advertising field, Mahen later took on the post of creative director at MCN Creative associates. He lives with his family in Singapore.

Mahen recently held an exhibition of paintings Ganeshism at the Barefoot gallery.

This was an instant success as many art lovers showed interest towards his subject. Ganeshism 2 is the sequel to the first exhibition and will be held at the same venue till September 26.

The second chapter of the exhibition portraying Lord Ganesh opened to mark the Ganesh Chathurthi festival celebrating Lord Ganesh’s birth on September 12.

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