In Mourning on the Ganga in the Morn
India
watercolor, pencil, oxidized copper & blood
on handmade Indian paper - 29” x 21.5” - 4.6
| In the ancient city of Varanasi, Hindus make
pilgrimages to perform a myriad of ceremonies in and along
the great river Ganga. There are many cremations there, as
it is believed that if one’s life ends in this most
sacred city, in their next life they will return a step higher
in the caste system. Following traditional ritual, the eldest
son in a family shaves all his hair, dons white robes and
lights the funerary pyre.
In this painting, a holy Sadhu sits on the right, facing
the Ganga in deep meditation. On the left is an eldest son
in mourning, looking downwards into his hands.
|
private collection, Denver
detail:
Untitled Document
Morning Rituals along the Ghats of Varanasi, India
