For ages, we have perceived God in the forms depicted to us from generation to generation. Never questioning these forms or the basis, as to ask, why they are projected the way we see them, for e.g. Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus, Lord Vishnu with four arms, Goddess Durga presides on a lion. From childhood, I was not very comfortable with this idea. We believe what we see through our eyes and depict what our mind interprets through our understanding of the world we live in.

The God's depicted in our mythology could be superior beings from distant planets, scientifically millions of times advanced in their technology. The same as we have even today. They were responsible and supportive to new civilizations evolving all over the universe. Directing, showing them the way to develop and making them aware of technology in their own godly ways. Their prime motive being peace and growth in the universe among the planets that have life. They used to roam from one planet to another through their advanced vehicles.

Alternately there were some rouge aliens who were hell bent on disturbing the peace, who we named demons, or rakshasha. Their motive was to gain control over these civilizations and rule. The logic says the God's, (superior beings) helped the growing civilizations protect themselves from these demons.

I presume when the God's came to earth we were technologically extremely naive so when they used to travel here in their space ships (vehicles), our artists of those times could not perceive a mechanism so advanced like a space ship. To make the whole idea perceptible to the masses they gave it the form of a lotus, prosthetic robotic arms as extra hands etc, and these forms continued being passed on from generation to generation.

But today and the years to come where we have ourselves scientifically advanced, I think its high time we do a logical makeover of our perception of God, so that the coming generation can relate to Him and the faith stays on. Gods being a super being with superior intelligence technologically advanced so also friendly.

I believe, that someday we will become highly developed both scientifically and in our thoughts, looking beyond planet earth and become responsible for supporting new life in some distant part of the universe.

My present series SHIVA “Ready for the ramp” is an attempt to portray the most powerful source in this universe in a form, which I can relate to, as super being with gadgets, which are empowering, and his pet the snake that symbolizes a heart that loves every creation. Confident and strong sexuality defining the present generation perfectly, the 'Shiva' that every one of us has within us as us.

SHIVA “Ready for the ramp”
By Rajat Kaanthi Dharr

Will be on view from the - 2nd of Sept. to the 30th Sept. 2008
at
Ashish Balram Nagpal
galleries for contemporary art
NO.7, THE COURTYARD, S.P. CENTRE,
BEHIND RADIO CLUB,
41/44 MINOO DESAI MARG,
COLABA, MUMBAI 400 005. INDIA.
TEL: +91 22 - 5638 5472