I have been painting since more than a decade. My theme for my latest exhibition is the ‘Bull’, the generous and strong animal. There are numerous reasons why I was attracted to paint the bull in different styles.
Basically I hail from a small town where domesticated animals are seen everywhere. Out of these, the bull captured my attention towards its hefty built, characteristic traits and important place in Indian mythology and moreover its universal recognition as a zodiac sign.
We all are a part of nature and every human trait can be traced in nature. It is surprising that even though animals cannot speak, almost all of them can project characteristics similar to human beings only by their physical gestures. One such animal is the bull, whom I observed closely from a human nature point of view. And it is no wonder that it represents human traits in the zodiac ring where it is called Taurus.
Its build represents power and it can unceasingly undergo physical strain. The people who have a bull as a domestic animal, will know that its physical and mental endurance can be boosted by lovingly caressing and caring for them. A domesticated bull is just like any other family member, wanting attention and affection and it will silently endure strains.
In my painting I have not shown a bull doing a strenuous task but have painted its strong physique to show that it can undergo a lot of physical strains and work persistently.
On observation, one would realise that the faces of these bulls are gentle and noble because I have observed that a bull is a warm, gentle, passionate and friendly animal, until it is provoked to be ferocious; quite similar to human attitude in the society. Bull is a perfect symbol of mental and physical endurance.
In this series along with its utility I have concentrated on the holy position that it holds in Indian mythology. In Indian mythology bull has a special significance of being the vahana or the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Its holy name is Nandi and it is completely devoted to the Lord and therefore we find Nandi placed at the entrance of Lord Shiva’s temple. Prayer at Lord Shiva’s temple is incomplete without reverence to Nandi.
I love this Indian tradition of giving importance to animals not only for utility but also as holy figures in mythology. In the case of Nandi, it is said that a person can whisper his/her wishes in the ear of Nandi and it informs the heard wishes to the Lord. As staunch believers and devotees of the Lord Shiva and Nandi, many Indian women visit images of Nandi, offer flowers, touch its sculpture and bow in reverence and mostly pray for fertility.
To create the religious and mythical aura, I have painted figures on the body of bulls, in this series. The colours are chosen to project the ancient Indian painting style. Some of the paintings have plain coloured bulls but the canvas has figures on it.
Bull is truly an inspiring animal with its healthy body and mind. I personally get a positive vibration on seeing the magnetic and gigantic build of a bull. Its positive charisma nullifies negativity and helps to develop a positive attitude in life.
I would like to sum up by saying that to uplift your spirit, develop and follow the bull’s spirit, because it is a trope of humanity.
