September 11 - 14, 2003, 7pm

Prakriti Foundation presented "The Golden Link" Illustrated talk and exhibition of Sacred Images - From Tanjore to To-Ji recreated by Radhika Srinivasan in the Tanjore painting genre 

Venue: Sundar Mahal, Padmavathy Road, Jeypore Colony, Chennai

"The aim of the project was to study the principles, methodology and artistry of Asian murals, a sacred art form that spans more than 1000 years. The forms may be different in each region but the underlying philosophy is the same; that's the golden link," says Radhika Srinivasan. In Tanjore style of painting, characters from Thai Ramayana like Hanuman, the 'Tai-za-kai Mandara' inspired by a rare icon in the To-ji temple in Japan, 'Amogasiddi' inspired by Thangkas of Nepal, 'Vajradhara' in Tibetan style and aspects of Mahayana Buddhism were translated on to pata or treated cloth by Radhika's painters Pannirselvam and Dakshinamurthy. Each painting took 6 months to be completed and the artists followed the specifications of each art form with respect to mudras, iconography and beejaksharas. The 18 paintings on display for the first time, reflected the deep influence Indian art had on other regions in the South East, like China, Japan and Thailand.


Review

"I gaze at it as into the spaces of a faceted gem. Drawn further in, I see, at its heart, not reflected light, but a figure seated, in padmasan pose, lost (or found?) in meditation; with attendant figures around the circular rim. It is the Tai-zo-kai Mandara (original in Japan), re-interpreted in terms of the Thanjavur technique by Radhika Srinivasan at her remarkable exhibition and illustrated talk for the Prakriti Foundation. As always, the Buddha and Bodhisattva figures radiate an ineffable peace that passeth understanding. Does the glitter of the Thanjavur art lend a rajasic flavor to the essentially sattvic mood of the paintings? I stand back for a longer look. No. The Thanjavur art form only adds a divine glow to the nishkaala shanthi flowing out of the meditating figures. Radhika Srinivasan has achieved a happy blend of cultures. I salute her awesome dedication."
- "Indus to Yang-Tse" by N Vaidyanathan (The Arts Column, City Express, Sept 18, 2003)