The Sign of Reality
The Seat of Nirvana (left) and Darjee
Religion, culture and spirit are the main features of the artworks by Fijian artist Jossaia McNamara. The six-day solo art exhibition titled "The Sign of Reality" by McNamara ended on September 22 at the Gallery Zainul, Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA). The exhibition was a part of McNamara's nine-month Commonwealth scholarship programme at the Department of Printmaking of FFA.
McNamara's Polynesian and Melanesian cultural heritage and Christian origin is apparent in the works. The artist has presented the religious beliefs and culture of that part of the world in his exotic and non-naturalistic art. Blending signs of different religions and cultures, McNamara has portrayed the 'spirit' of the journey to achieve 'ultimate peace.'
Following the Polynesian and Melanesian art traditions, the artist has presented the images of Vishnu, Durga, Buddha and other gods and traditional motifs of Bangladesh. Moreover, he has used verses from different religions in several languages such as Bangla and Hebrew.
To better understand the artworks in different mediums such as oil on canvas, mixed media, etching and lithography, one has to know McNamara's background. A senior artist in residence of Research Programme at the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of South Pacific in Fiji, Jossaia McNamara has travelled the world to learn about the religions, cultures and folk arts.
He said, "I chose Bangladesh for the Commonwealth Scholarship programme considering the diverse culture and religions here. I like to fuse the signs of different religions and traditions in my works. Travelling throughout the country, I enriched my ideas and incorporated those in my latest works."
According to McNamara, the knowledge and the wisdom that transcend in man are mightier than the materialistic reality that surrounds him. "'The Sign of Reality' series interprets life as a journey, where man has to face a certain higher truth, which is the very seed of his creation. In fact it's the gateway to his inner universe at the centre of which lies the divine essence of his spiritual nature," he added.
McNamara's idea has been reflected in the artworks titled Eyes of the Seven Spirits, The Fundamental Signs, Dark Clouds of the Gods, In the Heart of Creation Reaching for Stars, The Enlightened Ones, Redemption, The Seat of Nirvana, Growth of Perfection, The Fear Judah and Seeds of Birth.
Comments