Om Namah Shivaya: Shiva

by Nikheel Aphale
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Details

Size: 39.5 x 28 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Paper
Year: 2022

Description

In this artwork, artist Nikheel Aphale uses stylised texts ‘Om Nama Shivay’ and ‘Mahamrutyunjay Mantra’ to depict the illustrious personality of dancing Shiva. The mantra inscribed in the artwork is:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

It translates to:
Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam
Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan
Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-Amrtaat

The meaning of the words is:
Om, We Worship the Tryambaka (the Three-Eyed One), Who is Fragrant (Spiritual Essence), Increasing the Nourishment (our Spiritual Core); From these many Bondages (of Samsara) similar to Cucumbers (tied to their Creepers), May I be Liberated from Death (Attachment to Perishable Things), So that I am not separated from the perception of Immortality (Immortal Essence pervading everywhere).
  • ABOUT Nikheel Aphale

    Letters not only speak to, but entice calligraphy artist Nikheel Aphale, who believes in taking calligraphy beyond its conventional definition of “the art of beautiful handwriting.” Nikheel uses his own letters – akshars – as a means of expression. Using calligraphy, he creates art that is imperfect yet beautiful, with the texture of ink, the spaces, the overlapping letterforms and mingling strokes making his artworks a truly visual experience. The Devanagari script is Nikheel’s muse; he adores its traditional and spiritual roots, and being the script of his mother tongue, Marathi, he feels deeply connected to it.
    Born in Mumbai in 1979, Nikheel has nurtured a fascination with alphabets since childhood. He graduated from LS Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai in applied arts and later obtained a post-graduation in graphic design from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Under the mentorship of Brody Neuenschwander, he has completed a two-year study exploring the creative dimensions of text art.
    In addition to his roles as an artist, TEDx speaker, educator, and book cover designer, Nikheel has had the privilege of speaking at various calligraphy events in India. He has also participated in prestigious art events such as the Auroville Art Residency in India, the One Asia Project in Taipei, and the online exhibition “A Brush with Silence” in Bruges, Belgium. Furthermore, Nikheel’s work has been showcased in prominent art events in South Korea, including the World Calligraphy Biennale and the Asian Calligraphy Festival. He received the ‘Excellence in Calligraphy’ award at the Jikji International Calligraphy Exhibition in South Korea. In 2023, his work received recognition by being long listed for the Jackson Painting Prize. Nikheel’s interviews and work have been featured in various international platforms and prominent publications such as juried issues of Letter Arts Review in the USA, Typism books, Vogue, Juggernaut, Platform, Kyoorius, POOL and NDTV. Nikheel’s work is part of the permanent display in India’s new Parliament Building. 

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