Artwork Analysis: ‘Sea of Samsara’ Diana Malivani’s heterogeneous and comprehensive oeuvre reflects her dexterity and visual acuity in every artwork, however while considering her wider collection I instantly found Sea of Samsara particularly compelling as it is so axiomatic of its subject. Malvani effortlessly and sedulously translates the ethos of Samsara via remarkable compositional features and her astute application of medium; indeed, the cyclical motion of the piece visually references philosophical ideas of rebirth, reincarnation and overlapping narratives. Sea of Samsara proffers an astounding emotional journey that calls upon a myriad of elements with roots in vast swathes of art history dating from the very earliest evidence of creativity, and yet still maintains an undeniable sense of modernity that demands unequivocal recognition of its nuance and grace. The recurrence of history is artfully expressed in Sea of Samsara by the contrast between representations of primitive creative endeavour and the artist’s impeccably refined execution. The textures harnessed in the piece seem to depict an enduring chronicle; each miniscule element encapsulates a trove of magnificently mysterious wonders that suggest a cognitive conjunction with Jean Dubuffet. Sea of Samsara seamlessly juxtaposes the essence of Egyptian hieroglyphs and rudimentary cave drawing with sophisticated movement and captivating colours, demonstrating a flair that is aligned with Richard Pousette-Dart. Indeed, it is this extraordinarily bold use of colour and volcanic energy that evokes a rich and primordial sense of fire; this acknowledgement of the elements reinforces Malivani’s cerebral intentions and fundamental message that is exponent in the work and stimulates academic thought in the viewer.
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