:: 2010 :: 120cm x 120cm in 12 panels :: Acrylics, Inks, Markers and UV Lacquer on Canvas ::
This mandala of the Sacred Earth was produced for an exhibition in Cologne, Germany and was an experiment in a new method of practice: that of overlaying a hidden image visible only under UV light atop an image visible in normal light. In the daylight image (Gaia By Day) we see an image of the Earth floating in space, both protected by and emitting rays of energy, ancestral spirits and leaves of fertility. But when the ultraviolet illuminates the image(Gaia By Night), it is transformed into a sorrowful image of Gaia, mourning the injury that mankind does to her and crying for her lost innocence as she floats in the infinity of space. A third hidden image is subtly enfolded into the night image, that of a Third-Eye angelic figure, reminding us of Gaia's much greater (in)sight and wisdom...
Thus, the hidden image completely transforms the daylight image and powerfully reminds us of the visionary and sacred immanence which is enfolded into the Earth and which pervades its every essence. One can only see it when one perceives the world in a certain way - as Black Elk put it, 'seeing in a sacred manner' - just as one can only see the hidden image under UV light. During the show, each time the lights were dimmed and the UV illumination switched on to reveal Gaia, there arose a gasp from the onlookers: the sudden emergence of the sacred can hold us in a moment of surprise, transcendence and wonder as we remember who we are, and what the true essence of our still-beautiful planet means...
:: Hover the mouse over the image to flip between daylight and UV images ::
:: Tablet Users - Tap the image to see the UV Image::
:: Tap outside the image to return to the Daylight Image::
Words For Gaia Wide-eyed, Wide-eyed I am starting to see I am starting to see Wide-eyed I am starting to see I am starting to see |
Wide-eyed And I ask you: Do we bear the scars of your ashen-grey heart Do we rest with peace in our souls Do we stand astride burning galaxies Do we seek solace in your threadlike green Do we seek wisdom in your infinite eyes Or do we die Wide-eyed |