GALLERIES - BUDDHIST COLLECTION

1000 PETALS

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All Images Copyright Marion Grant 2009

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This artwork is based on a painting of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. His white color evokes purity and selflessness. When enclosed in a circle, he is known as the 1000-Armed Buddha. According to legend, Avalokiteshvara aspired to help all sentient beings become free from suffering. He vowed that he would break into 1000 pieces if he could not achieve this goal. After believing that he had been successful, he discovered that he had failed in his mission. His body broke into one thousand pieces, which then reformed into one thousand hands, like one thousand petals of a lotus.


Although the painting and legend reflect Buddhist iconography, they have a universal resonance. The inner circle in the painting represents the Buddha’s 1000 hands, reaching out to touch all mankind. In a similar fashion, Michelangelo’s iconic image in the Sistine Chapel shows the Hand of God giving life to Adam, the first human. Suffering is part of life. However, it may be mitigated by man emulating a compassionate God, by extending one’s hands to help the other and uniting for the common good.


A comparison of this contemporary artwork with the traditional painting shows a number of striking transformations. The image is now infused with a fluidity of motion and color. Interacting gold, gray and brown elements seem to move across the piece. Arcs and circles play off against each other in a dramatic fashion. Orchids are added to the mix, evoking the metaphor of the 1000 Petals. The Buddha is merged with a Moth orchid, morphing into a colorful and mermaid-like figure that animates the entire piece.


Another feature is worth noting. A small heart, the symbol of love and compassion, may be seen within the petal at the right side of the Buddha. The appearance of this symbol was entirely serendipitous. It resulted from the layering process that was used to create the work.


1000 Petals was chosen for inclusion in the 2009 Rauschenberg Tribute Exhibition at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. Entries to this art exhibit were selected by Susan Davidson,

Senior Curator of the Guggenheim Museum in New York. 1000 Petals received a special mention from Ms. Davidson.


A pink version of 1000 Petals is also available.