A Salvation
Title: A Salvation Medium
Medium: oil, drawing ink and Dutch gold on canvas
Dimensions: 74.5 x 60 cm (29.3 x 23.6 in); depth: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Year: 2024
Philosophy
A Salvation draws from the ancient game of Gyan Chaupar (Snakes and Ladders), intertwining themes of life's unpredictability and the pursuit of deeper knowledge. The painting aims evoke moments of ascent and descent, symbolising the gains and setbacks encountered on our personal journey. The snakes do not always lead down, and the ladders don’t always take us up. Some upward-reaching snakes represent the idea that challenges and hardships can also serve as catalysts for positive change, pushing us toward greater self-awareness and understanding. Conversely, the ladders may also be products of idealisation or external expectations, reminding us that our aspirations can sometimes be shaped by societal pressures rather than personal desires.
The piece incorporates the Twilight Language, a unique cryptographic script. With the final phrase, "snakes,and ladders," serving as a key to unlock the text’s meaning, the hidden message explores the interplay of fate and free will.
I've used Dutch gold extensively in this painting, drawing inspiration from historical artistic traditions where gold signifies something valuable and precious. For me, gold represents the knowledge and insights gained through experiences, both good and bad. This knowledge is a form of enlightenment that help guide us through life's complexities.