
Tina Rath
Dharana: Resonance, 2017
ink and 23k gold on lenox paper
Unframed: 30 x 40 inches
Framed: 38 x 38 inches
Framed: 38 x 38 inches
Dharana is a Sanskrit word and concept meaning 'holding steady,' 'concentration,' or 'single focus.' Its purpose is to relax and soothe the distracted and confused mind. The physical aspect of...
Dharana is a Sanskrit word and concept meaning "holding steady," "concentration," or "single focus." Its purpose is to relax and soothe the distracted and confused mind. The physical aspect of repetitious mark-making, composing circular and radial patterns, and the vibration of color and material serve to steady the mind. The resulting drawings then act as objects for contemplation. The twelve "Order of Beauty" drawings all stem from a basic geometric pattern called the "Breath of the Compassionate," referencing the teachings of the Divine Breath as the basis of all creation. The gold linear patterns laid within the meditative circles reveal the infinite nature of intuitive play as a visual representation of the expansive universe. Gold, a noble metal refined into powder and used as paint, has been employed in most spiritual traditions as synonymous with divinity and power. Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone ground and transformed into a painting paste, is the basis of the color ultramarine. This celestial blue is associated with the divine, wisdom, and truth. It is believed to bring inner peace and release negative thoughts.