my art
BOTTLE ART
PHALLUS PAINTING: On my trip to Bhutan, I noticed colorful phallus paintings on the walls of many shops, homes and eateries. These symbols of an erect penis were used intending to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip. The origins of these esoteric symbols can be traced to a Buddhist monastery, Chimi Lhakhang near Bhutan's former capital, Punakha. This monastery was built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kunley who lived in the 15-16th century and who was popularly known as the "Mad Saint" or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching. Legend has it that Drupka Kinley would hit errant demons over the head with his penis to subdue them and turn them into protective deities.
We saw several wooden penises in the monastery. Infact there were also being sold in stores. I picked up this one made of wood and created my own art on it.
MORE WORK COMING UP IN PART 2