In 2011, there were 12 self-immolation cases by Tibetans and they could all be traced back to the Kriti monastery in Tibet. These episodes of unfortunate and desperate events deeply disturbed me and made me rethink about Tibet. And the result is this painting.
I used lots of symbolism. I fused traditional motifs and attributes with human figures: Humans with animal; male with female, to extract and extend the visual vocabulary, as I feel that normal figurative images lack the depth and weight of the issue I wish to express.
In this painting, I tried to play with lots of allusions at a very subtle level. I was rather trying to compose visual poetry that can be interpreted at length.
There are six characters in the painting, each relating to his or her responses toward the current issue of Tibet. In the centre lies a huge stick almost separating the canvas into two parts wherein at its end lay two kinds of Buddha. To the left of the painting, a stooped, modest and humble Buddha with a begging bowl appears, but without an aura around him, and to the right a dignified Buddha or a monk in a compassionate or Anjali mudra position appears (sitting in a huge begging bowl) with the aura of vajra or truth around it. The stick to me represents Gandhi's non-violent approach and satya-graha. To the left of the Buddha or the immolated monk lies a seductive play on Yamataka (only his head appears) and a young figure. Yamantaka is licking the figure with his wrathful passion as the young figure draws the Yamantaka's head. I allude this specific composition to the story of the origin of Yamantaka and how he got the anthropomorphic form, especially the head. I think there are lots of such tiny allusion which viewers will come to see with time, with time.
In the title the use of Kriti also has a little play of it's own.
Kriti is a Sanskrit word which connotes 'glorious’ or ‘glory'. And I allude to one of the stories of Mahadeva in Shiv-puran (the pre-Hindu, traditional scriptures), wherein, Mahadeva's wrath to avenge the ill will of Rahu creates this supernatural being which later gets labelled 'Kriti-mukha' or glorious face as he devours himself only to obey and satisfy his master. Mahadev is also admirably called upon by a different name 'Bhole- nath' which means 'the innocent one!' as he trusts everyone - especially the evil doers or asuras.