Art Appreciation: Hinduism

796 Words2 Pages

London McDaniel
Art Appreciation
Ms. Raab
11/13/17
According to the Hindu view, there are four goals in life. Each of these goals should be aspired by human beings according to Hinduism. The four views are dharma, artha, karma, and moksha. Dharma is righteous living. Artha is wealth that is acquired through the pursuit of a profession. Karma is human sexual love and finally, Moksha is spiritual salvation. Each of the views was deprived from the artistic production of India. Art that is created in India is connected somehow to the goals that the Hindu people believe in. Art in India is important to the Hindu faith. (A new view of Hindu art)
The first piece of art is an artifact from India it is called “Krishma killing the Horse Demon.” It was …show more content…

By slaying Keshi, Krishma has lived up to the righteous living belief. The second piece of artwork is “Shiva as Lord of the dance.” This is a sculpture and its medium is Copper Alloy. Again the artist is unknown but was created in the 11th century. Shiva represents the destructive force in the Universe, destroying those whose time has come. (Hinduism and the religious arts) The sculpture is an example of how the Indian culture believes that life is a never-ending cycle of time. Shiva’s is surrounded by a flaming halo. Each of his extremities has a representation of the Hindu Faith. In his upper right hand, he holds damaru which is a hand drum that made the first sounds of creation. In his upper right hand, he holds agni that is a fire that is strong enough to destroy the universe. With the lower right hand, he has abhayamunda which is a gesture that allays fears. The figure that is located on the right foot is apasmara purusha and that is an illusion, that will lead mankind away. "Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.” The energy that is created by his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. (Hindu Art and Architecture before 1300) This relates back to Moksha which is spiritual salvation since the sculpture signifies a troubled

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