WHAT ARE CHAKRAS AND HOW DO THEY RELATE TO MY ARTISTIC PROCESS?

As my artwork involves a fusion of the Japanese Art of Kintsugi and the philosophical wisdom of the Human Chakras, I wanted to take the opportunity to explain what Chakras are, their history and how I relate the spiritual energies into my paintings through the use of color.

The concept of chakras

The word "chakra" is derived from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and it translates to "wheel" or "circle." The idea of chakras is deeply rooted in the spiritual and energetic understanding of the human body. Chakras are conceptualized as energy centers within the human body, associated with different aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These energy centers are often depicted as spinning wheels or vortexes along the central axis of the body. There are 7 major chakras in the body.

The earliest and most significant references to chakras can be found in ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas and Upanishads, dating back over 3,000 years. These texts describe the subtle energy channels (nadis) and energy centers (chakras) within the body. The chakras are often associated with the flow of prana (vital life force) and the overall balance of one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

What do Chakras have to do with color?

The connection between chakras and color fields is rooted in the belief that each chakra is associated with a specific color that represents the vibrational frequency and qualities of the energy it governs. This connection is visualized in practices like meditation, visualization, and energy healing. During these practices, individuals may focus on specific colors associated with each chakra to balance, cleanse, or energize these energy centers. The idea is that exposure to or visualization of these colors helps bring the corresponding chakras into harmony, promoting overall well-being and spiritual development.

Fusing this philosophy with the Japanese Art of Kintsugi communicates the essence of healing and renewal through art. 

In our lifetimes, we all experience different challenges that pose a range of difficulty depending on the challenge and the person..  A chakra’s energy force can become blocked as a result of these challenges; thereby creating a feeling of being unwell emotionally and/or physically.

My artwork provides inspiration to reflect and/or meditate on the chakra(s)/ parts of the body where the energy centers are blocked. 

WHAT ARE THESE CHAKRAS CALLED AND WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

RE-UNION

Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood

30 x 30 inches/ 76 x 76cm

2023

For pricing email Rajul@rajulshahart.com

    • Location: Base of the spine

    • Color: Red

    • Qualities: Represents grounding, stability, survival instincts, and the connection to the physical world.

 

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

EMERGENCE

Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood

20 x 20 inches/ 50 x 50cm

$975 USD

2023

    • Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel

    • Color: Orange

    • Qualities: Governs creativity, passion, sexuality, and the ability to experience pleasure and joy.

 

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

MANIPURA HEALING I

Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Tree Bark Paper

20 x 20 inches/ 50 x 50cm

$975 USD

2023

    • Location: Upper abdomen, near the stomach

    • Color: Yellow

    • Qualities: Associated with personal power, confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to make decisions.

 

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

AFTERMATH

Acrylic & Gouache on paper

10 x 10 inches/ 25 x 25 cm

$185 USD

2023

    • Location: Center of the chest

    • Color: Green or Pink

    • Qualities: Represents love, compassion, empathy, and the ability to form meaningful connections with others.

 

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):

VIBRATIONS II

Acrylic & Gouache on Paper

10 x 10 inches/ 25 x 25cm

$185 USD

2023

    • Location: Throat

    • Color: Blue

    • Qualities: Governs communication, self-expression, authenticity, and the ability to speak one's truth.

 

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna):

INTUITION

Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood

12 x 12 inches/ 30.5 x 30.5 cm

$900 USD

2023

    • Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows

    • Color: Indigo or Deep Blue

    • Qualities: Associated with intuition, insight, higher awareness, and the ability to perceive beyond the physical realm.

 

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara):

FREE SPIRIT

Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood

30- x 24 inches/ 76 x 61 cm

2023

For Pricing email Rajul@rajulshahart.com

    • Location: Top of the head

    • Color: Violet or White

    • Qualities: Represents spirituality, enlightenment, divine connection, and the integration of all aspects of self.



I hope you found this newsletter informative. As always, I love to hear comments and thoughts from readers! So, please feel free to comment!

Artfully Yours,

Rajul