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)
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)
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)
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):
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Qualities: Governs communication, self-expression, authenticity, and the ability to speak one's truth.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna):
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